Skid steer vehicle having suspensions that are locked based on vehicle speed

ABSTRACT

A skid steer vehicle includes a chassis mounted on four sprung suspensions that are controlled by an electronic controller. The controller monitors the speed of the vehicle and locks the suspensions when the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to suspension locking of workvehicles. More particularly it relates to automatic suspension lockingof skid steer vehicles when vehicle speed falls below a predeterminedthreshold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Skid steer loaders are small highly maneuverable vehicles thatare used in place of front end loaders, backhoes and the like inconstricted environments. They are particularly useful due to theirsmall size and maneuverability.

[0003] Their maneuverability is due to their method of steering. Thewheels on one side of the vehicle (typically two) can be drivenindependently of the wheels on the other side of the vehicle. The wheelson each side of the vehicle can also be driven in opposite directions.The wheels themselves are not steerable. In other words, they cannot beturned about a generally vertical axis with respect to the chassis.

[0004] To steer a skid steer vehicle, the wheels on one side of thevehicle are driven at a different speed than the wheels on the otherside of the vehicle. In an extreme case they are also driven in oppositedirections. Thus, the wheels on one side can be driven forward as thewheels on the other side of the chassis are driven in reverse.

[0005] These different velocities (and/or different directions) causethe wheels to skid sideways as they rotate. As a result, one side of thevehicle advances faster than the other, and the vehicle turns. In theextreme case, when the wheels on either side are driven in oppositedirections, the vehicle can rotate about a vertical axis within theperimeter of the vehicle's chassis thereby giving it a turning radius ofzero.

[0006] In addition to the maneuverability provided by the steeringarrangement, skid steer vehicles also benefit from a narrow wheelbaseand small width over wheels. A short wheelbase and small width overwheels permits the vehicle to be used in confined spaces, but preventsthe use of sprung suspension.

[0007] The short wheel base, however, causes poor ride quality of theskid steer and limits the transportation roading speed. A skid steervehicle tends to over bounce, roll, and pitch on rough terrain. A sprungsuspension will improve the ride and the stability.

[0008] A sprung suspension used on a short wheelbase vehicle, however,would cause excessive diving as the implement connected to the loaderarms is used to engage the ground. When the bucket or other implementmounted on the loader arms of the skid steer are pressed downwardagainst the ground or are used to lift an object or a load of dirt (forexample) the forces generated by engagement with the ground could causea short wheelbase vehicle such as a skid steer loader to pitch up anddown precipitously.

[0009] Another disadvantage of installing a sprung suspension on a skidsteer is that the suspension makes the skid steer floating, which isgood for high-speed roading, but not good for normal loader operations,such as digging, loading, and unloading, which require steady and firmplatform.

[0010] For these reasons, skid steer vehicles having a short wheelbase(such as the common skid steer loader) have never been equipped withsprung suspensions.

[0011] What is needed, therefore is a suspension system for a skid steerloader that provides independent springing while the skid steer loaderis being driven across a work site combined with some means for reducingor eliminating that springing when the skid steer loader is going slowlyand the operator is manipulating the loader arms or operating theimplement attached thereto.

[0012] It is an object of this invention to provide such a suspensionsystem for a skid steer vehicle.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemthat automatically engages and disengages the front end (and preferablyrear end) suspensions in anticipation of the operator's operation of theloader arms or implement (such as a bucket) attached thereto.

[0014] It is a further object of the invention to engage the front (andpreferably rear) suspensions when the vehicle falls below apredetermined speed without requiring operator intervention therebyreducing the need for the operator to manipulate additional controls andthereby freeing the operator to concentrate on the manipulation ofcontrols used to move the vehicle, the loader arms and the implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a skidsteer is provided that includes a chassis having a left side and a rightside; an engine coupled to the chassis; first and second variabledisplacement hydraulic pumps coupled to the engine to provide twoseparately controllable sources of hydraulic fluid under pressure; fournon-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled to the chassis to drivethe vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels are disposed two on eachside of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation; four control armspivotally coupled to the chassis and coupled to the four wheels topermit the wheels to pivot at least in a vertical direction with respectto the chassis; at least two hydraulic motors for driving the wheelswherein at least one motor is driven by fluid from the first pump and inturn drives the wheels on the left side of the chassis and at leastanother motor is driven by fluid from the second pump and in turn drivesthe wheels on the right side of the chassis; four hydraulic cylinders,each cylinder operably coupled to one of the wheels to control at leastthe vertical position of the wheels with respect to the chassis; a speedsensing means to provide a signal indicative of the speed of the vehicleover the ground; and an electronic controller coupled to the speedsensing means and to the hydraulic cylinders that is configured to lockthe four wheels in a vertical position with respect to the chassis whenthe vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

[0016] The speed sensing means may be a wheel speed sensor, a hydraulicpump control circuit configured to generate a signal indicative of pumpposition, or a memory location in the electronic controller containingdigital data indicative of the displacement of at least one of the firstand second pumps. The digital data indicative of the displacement may bea value generated by the electronic controller. The vehicle may alsoinclude four valves, each of the four valves being coupled to one of thehydraulic cylinders to control an outflow of fluid from said one of thehydraulic cylinders. The electronic controller may be configured toautomatically and repeatedly receive the signal indicative of the speedof the vehicle from the speed sensing means, to compare the signalindicative of the speed of the vehicle with a value indicative of apredetermined speed, and to close the four valves when the vehicle isbelow the predetermined speed. The skid steer vehicle may include fourgas-charged hydraulic accumulators, wherein each accumulator is fluidlycoupled to and between one of the valves and that valve's associatedcylinder to block hydraulic fluid flow between the associated cylinderand said each accumulator.

[0017] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a skidsteer vehicle is provided a chassis having a left side and a right side;an engine coupled to the chassis; first and second variable displacementhydraulic pumps coupled to the engine to provide two separatelycontrollable sources of hydraulic fluid under pressure; fournon-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled to the chassis to drivethe vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels are disposed two on eachside of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation; two control arms, eachof the two control arms pivotally coupled to and between the chassis andan associated forward wheel to permit the associated forward wheel topivot at least in a vertical direction with respect to the chassis; atleast two hydraulic motors for driving the wheels wherein at least onemotor is driven by fluid from the first pump and in turn drives thewheels on the left side of the chassis and at least another motor isdriven by fluid from the second pump and in turn drives the wheels onthe right side of the chassis; two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinderoperably coupled to one of the two forward wheels to control at leastthe vertical position of said one of the two forward wheels with respectto the chassis; a speed sensing means to provide a signal indicative ofthe speed of the vehicle over the ground; and an electronic controllercoupled to the speed sensing means and to the hydraulic cylinders thatis configured to lock the two forward wheels in a vertical position withrespect to the chassis when the vehicle falls below a predeterminedspeed.

[0018] The speed sensing means may be a wheel speed sensor, a hydraulicpump control circuit configured to generate a signal indicative of pumpposition, or a memory location in the electronic controller containingdigital data indicative of a commanded displacement of at least one ofthe first and second pumps. The digital data indicative of the commandeddisplacement may be a value generated by the electronic controller tocontrol the displacement of at least one of the first and second pumps.The skid steer vehicle may include two valves, each of the two valvesbeing coupled to one of the hydraulic cylinders to control an outflow offluid from said one of the hydraulic cylinders. The electroniccontroller may be configured to automatically and repeatedly receive thesignal indicative of the speed of the vehicle from the speed sensingmeans, to compare the signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle witha value indicative of a predetermined speed, and to close the two valveswhen the vehicle is below the predetermined speed. The vehicle mayinclude two gas-charged hydraulic accumulators, wherein each accumulatoris fluidly coupled to and between one of the two valves and said one ofthe two valves associated cylinder to block hydraulic fluid flow fromthe associated cylinder to said each accumulator.

[0019] In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, a methodof controlling the suspensions of a skid steer vehicle is provided, thevehicle including a chassis having a left side and a right side, anengine coupled to the chassis, first and second variable displacementhydraulic pumps coupled to the engine to provide two separatelycontrollable sources of hydraulic fluid under pressure, fournon-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled to the chassis to drivethe vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels are disposed two on eachside of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation, two control arms, eachof the two control arms pivotally coupled to and between the chassis andan associated forward wheel to permit the associated forward wheel topivot at least in a vertical direction with respect to the chassis, atleast two hydraulic motors for driving the wheels wherein at least onemotor is driven by fluid from the first pump and in turn drives thewheels on the left side of the chassis and at least another motor isdriven by fluid from the second pump and in turn drives the wheels onthe right side of the chassis, two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinderoperably coupled to one of the two forward wheels to control at leastthe vertical position of said one of the two forward wheels with respectto the chassis, a speed sensing means to provide a signal indicative ofthe speed of the vehicle over the ground, and an electronic controllercoupled to the speed sensing means and to the hydraulic cylinders thatis configured to lock the two forward wheels in a vertical position withrespect to the chassis when the vehicle falls below a predeterminedspeed, the method comprising the steps of reading the signal indicativeof the speed of the vehicle; comparing the signal indicative of thespeed of the vehicle with a value indicative of a predetermined speed;locking the two forward wheels of the four wheels to prevent verticalmotion of the two wheels with respect to the chassis when the step ofcomparing indicates that the vehicle is traveling slower than thepredetermined speed; and unlocking the two forward wheels to permitvertical motion of the two wheels with respect to the chassis when thestep of comparing indicates that the vehicle is traveling above thepredetermined speed.

[0020] The step of comparing may include the step of accessing anelectronic memory location in the electronic controller that contains avalue indicative of a commanded displacement of at least one of thefirst and second variable displacement pumps. The vehicle may alsoinclude two valves, wherein each of said two valves is fluidly coupledto an associated one of the two hydraulic cylinders to control theoutflow of fluid from said associated one of the two hydrauliccylinders, and further wherein each of said two valves is operablycoupled to the electronic controller to be controlled thereby. The stepof locking the two forward wheels may include the step of closing thetwo valves. The step of locking the two forward wheels may include thestep of blocking fluid flow from the two cylinders to two associatedhydraulic accumulators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a side view of a skid steer vehicle in accordance withthe present invention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway side view of the skid steer vehiclewith wheels removed;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a is a perspective view of the mechanical suspensioncomponents of a suspension of the skid steer vehicle;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom view of the skid steer vehicleshowing a single suspension control arm that is cut partially away by aplane parallel to the ground and passing through a centerline defined bythe torsion bar of that suspension;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the vehicle of the skid steer vehiclein partial cross section showing the central anchoring arrangement ofeach of the torsion springs;

[0026]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the operator's seat and operatorinput devices of the skid steer vehicle;

[0027]FIG. 6B is a top view of the operator's seat and operator inputdevices showing the two orthogonal X- and Y-axis directions of movement;

[0028]FIGS. 6C and 6D are rear views of the two operator input devicesof FIGS. 6A and 6B showing the arrangement of buttons or switches thatsignal the vehicle's control system;

[0029]FIG. 7 illustrates the two-dimensional X-Y plane of movement ofjoystick 608, shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6D as one of the operator inputdevices;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a schematic of the electronic control system of thevehicle showing the multiple electronic controllers configured tocontrol and monitor the suspension, the loader arm and bucket, the drivepumps and motors, as well as the sensors and actuators to which theelectronic controllers are coupled;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of the hydraulic drivecircuit that is driven by the vehicle engine and controlled by the drivecontroller of FIG. 8 to drive the vehicle over the ground;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a hydraulic schematic of the hydraulic loader circuitthat is driven by the vehicle engine and controlled by the loadercontroller of FIG. 8 to raise and lower the loader arms and tilt thebucket or implement of the vehicle;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a hydraulic schematic of the hydraulic suspensioncircuit that is driven by the vehicle engine and controlled by thesuspension controller of FIG. 8 to control the height, the springing andthe damping of the four sprung vehicle suspensions;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a detailed schematic of the suspension controller andthe various suspension valves, sensors and operator switches to which itis connected;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the programmed operation ofthe suspension controller when it self-levels and controls the height ofthe vehicle suspensions by raising and lowering each suspension;

[0036]FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating the programmed operation ofthe suspension controller when it locks up the suspensions of thevehicle based on the occurrence of any of three independent conditions:(i) vehicle speed falling below a threshold value, (ii) operatormanipulation of an input device that controls the loader arms and/orbucket, and (iii) operator manipulation of a dedicated manual suspensionlocking switch that is located on one of the joysticks therebypermitting the operator to lock the suspensions on demand whilemanipulating the joystick with the same hand to perform some otherfunction;

[0037]FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the programmed operation ofthe suspension controller in response to the operator manipulating aheight control switch that sets the target height or position of thevehicle and its suspensions;

[0038]FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the programmed operation ofthe suspension controller to execute a change in vehicle ride height inresponse to operator manipulation of the height control switch as shownin FIG. 15;

[0039]FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the programmed operation ofthe suspension controller when it throttles (partial or total) thesuspension lockup valves based on the swing arms of the suspensionsapproaching their upper limits of travel, thereby reducing thelikelihood that the swing arms will bang up against the chassis;

[0040]FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the programmed operation of thesuspension controller when it automatically reduces rolling bythrottling suspension lockup valves in response to operator manipulationof an anti-roll control switch and in response to signals indicative oflateral acceleration exceeding a lateral acceleration threshold; and

[0041]FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the programmed operation of thesuspension controller when it automatically reduces diving by throttlingsuspension lockup valves in response to operator manipulation of ananti-dive control switch and in response to signals indicative oflongitudinal acceleration exceeding a longitudinal accelerationthreshold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042]FIGS. 1 and 2 are side views of a typical skid steer loader havinga sprung suspension system in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 1 shows the loader with wheels. FIG. 2 shows the loader withoutwheels. The loader includes a chassis 100 to which four wheels 102 areconnected, two on each side. In FIG. 1, only two wheels are shown. Thereare two wheels in identical position on the other side of the vehicle.An internal combustion engine 104 is coupled to and drives fivehydraulic pumps 106, 108, 110, 111, and 113. Pumps 106 and 108 providehydraulic fluid to the motors (not shown) that turn wheels 102.

[0043] Hydraulic pump 110 is provided as a source of pressurizedhydraulic fluid that is applied to loader arm lift cylinders 112.Cylinders 112 are coupled to and between the skid steer loader's chassisand the loader arms to lift the loader arms with respect to the vehicle.There are two loader arms, one disposed on each side of the chassis 100.

[0044] Pump 110 also provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to bucketcylinders 114 which are coupled to and between the loader arms andbucket 116 to tilt the bucket with respect to the loader arms.

[0045] Hydraulic pump 111 is called a “charge pump” and providespressurized hydraulic fluid to the drive motor circuit which isdescribed in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 9 to make up forfluid that leaks or is otherwise released from that circuit. It ispreferably a fixed displacement pump, although it may be a variabledisplacement pump.

[0046] Hydraulic pump 113 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid tosuspension components and is discussed below in more detail inconjunction with FIG. 11. It is preferably a fixed displacement pump,although it may be a variable displacement pump.

[0047] Bucket 116 is pivotally coupled to loader arms 120 at pivotjoints 118. It pivots about a substantially horizontal axis with respectto the loader arms when cylinder 114 is retracted or extended.

[0048] In a similar fashion, loader arms 120 are pivotally coupled tochassis 100 at pivot joints 122 such that the loader arms raise andlower whenever the cylinders 112 extend and retract, respectively.Cylinders 112 are pivotally coupled both to the loader arms and to thechassis at pivot joints 124 and 126, respectively.

[0049] A heavy-duty cage 128 called a ROPS extends about the operator'scompartment 130 and prevents the operator from being injured in theevent of a roll over or material falling from the bucket when it israised.

[0050] Each wheel 102 is supported at one end of control arm 132, alsocalled a “swing arm”. The other end of the swing arm is connected tochassis 100 by a pair of spherical bearings 134. These two sphericalbearings are spaced apart and thus prevent the swing arm from twistingwith respect to the vehicle. Each wheel 102 is bolted to a wheel hub 200by a plurality of bolts 202.

[0051] The pair of spherical bearings supporting the swing arm define apivotal axis 136 that extends laterally with respect to chassis 100 ofthe loader and sets the alignment of the wheel. These pivotal axes arethe axes about which swing arms 132 pivot with respect to the vehicle.

[0052] Each swing arm is damped by a pair of hydraulic cylinders 138that are coupled at their lower ends to the swing arm and at their upperends to chassis 100. These cylinders are fluid-filled using hydraulicfluid, gas or a combination of the two. They may be self-contained shockabsorbers, or may include one or more external connections to a separatesupply of hydraulic fluid and/or gas. They may have a single connection,such as a connection to a pressurized hydraulic accumulator or gascharged reservoir, or they may have multiple connections. While theembodiment shown here illustrates two such hydraulic cylinders, one ormore such cylinders may be preferred. Whenever swing arms 132 pivotabout pivotal axes 136 with respect to chassis 100, hydraulic cylinders138 damp the motion of the swing arms.

[0053] Engine 104 is preferably a two to six cylinder internalcombustion engine, preferably a diesel engine, and is disposed such thatits crankshaft extends longitudinally with respect to the longitudinalextent of chassis 100.

[0054] Pumps 106, 108, 110, 111 and 113 are connected together in seriesand include shafts that rotate about a common axis. In this embodiment,the pump shafts are rotationally coupled to the crankshaft of engine 104and rotate about the same axis of rotation about which the crankshaftrotates. While this is the preferred embodiment, one or more of the pumpshafts may be in parallel with one or more of the other pump shafts.

[0055] Pumps 106, 108, and 110 are located underneath or behind operatorseat 142 in operator's compartment 130. This provides for a shortwheelbase and narrow width over wheels. Operator's seat 142 is locatedforward of the lift arm pivots 122 such that the lift arms are raisedand lowered on either side of the operator.

[0056]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the forward left and rear rightsuspension showing additional details of their construction. Wheel hub200 includes a gear box 300 in which the planetary gears are enclosed. Aflange 302 is fixed to and extends outward from this gearbox to providea mounting surface against which wheels 102 can be mounted. Severalbolts 202 extend outward from flange 302 to receive mating holes onwheel 102. Once bolts 202 are inserted through these holes, nuts arethreaded on the free end of the bolts to prevent the wheel from comingoff the hub. Wheel hub 200 also includes a stationary mounting flange306 that is fixed to swing arm 132 by bolts 308. Flange 306 is fixed toswing arm 132 and receives the weight of the vehicle through the swingarms. It transmits the weight through bearings inside wheel hub 200 togear box 300 and flange 302, which transmit the weight of the loadedvehicle to the wheels.

[0057] A hydrostatic motor 310 is bolted to the stationary portion ofwheel hub 200 and drives wheel hub 200 by its central rotating outputshaft. It is this output shaft that engages the gears in gear box 300and causes gear box 300 and flange 302 to rotate at a reduced speed.Since the wheel is fixed to flange 302 this reduced speed is also thespeed of the wheel. In order to provide such a compact motor 310, theplanetary gears inside gear box 300 are arranged to reduce the speed ofthe motor shaft by a factor determined by the engine speed, thehydraulic pump and motor sizes that are chosen to achieve the desiredtorque and speed characteristics for the vehicle.

[0058] Both hydrostatic motor 310 and flange 302 of wheel hub 200preferably rotate about the same rotational axis 312. Rotational axis311 is preferably parallel to pivotal axis 136.

[0059] Swing arm 132 is formed from a pair of steel plates 312 and 314.At the vehicle end of the swing arm these plates are welded to acylindrical support 316, which extends through and is welded to both ofplates 312 and 314. Cylindrical support 316 is coupled to two sphericalbearings: an outboard spherical bearing 134 and an inboard sphericalbearing 318. These spherical bearings support cylindrical support 316and are permitted to rotate about the axis of the bearings, which defineaxis 136 of the suspension.

[0060] Plate 312 is generally planar and extends between cylindricalsupport 316 and the free end of hydrostatic motor 310. Plate 314includes an “S”-shaped bend extending away from the vehicle and therebyproviding a space between the two plates sufficient to mount hydrostaticmotor 310. In addition, the bend in plate 314 permits it to extendoutward into a cavity within the periphery of rim 400 (FIG. 4) of wheel102. This permits wheel 102 to extend inwards and encompass portion 402of plate 314. By providing the “S”-shaped bend in plate 314, wheel 102can be spaced closer to the vehicle, and thus the narrow width overwheels of the skid steer loader can be better preserved.

[0061] A torsion spring or bar 320 is coupled to the inside ofcylindrical support 316 on its outboard end. Its inboard end 322 isfixed to a flange 324 that rotates together with the inboard end oftorsion bar 320. This flange, in turn, is supported by L-shaped bracket326 by bolts 328 that extend through slots 330 in L-shaped bracket 326.Bolts 332 fix bracket 326 to the floor pan of the loader's chassis. Theload on torsion bar 320 can be changed by loosening bolts 328 androtating flange 324 with respect to bracket 326. As it is rotated, bolts328 will slide back and forth in their respective slots. Once thetorsion bar is in the proper position to support the vehicle at itsproper height, bolts 328 can be tightened thereby fixing flange 324 toL-shaped bracket 326.

[0062]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the suspension shown in FIG. 3 inpartial cross section. Outboard spherical bearing 134 is preferably acheek block bearing having an outwardly extending flange 404 that isbolted to downwardly extending bracket 406 which is bolted or welded tothe side wall 408 of chassis 100. Spherical bearing 318 is also a cheekblock type bearing and has a similar flange 410 extending outwardly thatis fixed to sidewall 408 of chassis 100. Flanges 404 and 410 supportrespective spherical outer bearing races 412 and 414. The outer bearingraces mate with spherical inner bearing races 416 and 418. Inner races416 and 418 pivot with respect to outer bearing races 412 and 414 topermit the suspension to pivot up and down with respect to pivotal axis136. Inner bearing races 416 and 418 are mounted on opposing ends ofcylindrical support 316 and are fixed thereto. Torsion bar or rod 320extends through the hollow interior of cylindrical support 316 andengages splined inner surface 420 of cylindrical support 316. Torsionbar 320 is configured to have outwardly-facing splines to mate with theinwardly facing splines on splined inner surface 420. This arrangementtransmits the torsional load from the suspension of FIG. 4 to torsionbar 320. This torsional load is resisted by “L”-shaped bracket 326 atthe other end of the torsion rod located near the center of the vehicle,which transfers it to the floor pan of chassis 100. In this manner, whena load is placed upon the wheels, the wheels pivot the swing arms 132upward twisting the torsion bar until the weight of the loader iscompletely supported on the wheels.

[0063]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the loader of the foregoing figuresshowing the way in which the individual suspensions are arranged withrespect to each other and the manner in which they are fixed to thechassis 100. The suspension shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the left front andright rear suspension. The left rear and right front suspensions areidentically arranged, but are mirror images of the suspension shown inFIGS. 3 and 4.

[0064] In FIG. 5, all four suspensions are illustrated. The four torsionbars 320 extend laterally (side to side) with respect to the frontloader. The two front torsion bars (the two torsion bars on the left inFIG. 5) are co-axial. They share a common rotational axis 136 aboutwhich both swing arms pivot with respect to the chassis 100. Torsionbars 320 associated with the rear suspensions (the two torsion bars onthe right in FIG. 5) are similarly co-axial, sharing a common rotationalaxis 136 about which the rear swing arms pivot.

[0065] Each torsion bar extends from the suspension whose wheel itsupports inward almost to the centerline 502 of the loader. Centerline502 extends the length of the vehicle and is equidistantly spaced fromeach opposed sidewall 408 of chassis 100. Swing arms 132 for the frontwheels (the wheels located on the left side of FIG. 5) locate the wheelsand hydraulic motors such that they rotate about a common rotationalaxis 504 when the forward swing arms are in the same pivotal positionwith respect to chassis 100.

[0066] In a similar manner, swing arms 132 for the rear wheels (thewheels located on the right side of FIG. 5) locate the rear wheels andhydraulic motors such that they also rotate about a common rotationalaxis 506 when the rear swing arms are in the same pivotal position withrespect to the chassis 100. It should be recognized, of course, thatwhen the suspensions on either side of the vehicle flex up or down withrespect to the suspensions on the other side of the vehicle, the swingarms will be flexed away from this co-axial relationship. However, whenthe vehicle is stationary and the swing arns are in the same pivotalposition with respect to chassis 100, they are co-axial.

[0067]FIG. 5 also illustrates another beneficial feature of the skidsteer loader. The swing arms 132 for the front wheels extend from axis136 (where they are coupled to the chassis) forward towards the front ofthe vehicle. In a similar fashion, the swing arms 132 that support therear tires extend from their central pivot point and support point alongaxis 136 (where they are coupled to the chassis) towards the rear of thevehicle. This arrangement disposes the larger suspension components andmounting points inwardly, away from the ends of the vehicle. Thus, thefront wheels and swing arms 132 are pivoted about an axis 136 locatedbehind the rotational axis 504 of the wheels mounted on those swingarms. In a similar fashion, the rear wheels of the vehicle and theirswing arms 132 pivot about a rotational axis 136 that is located aheadof the rotational axis 506 of the wheels on those swing arms.

[0068] The arrangement of FIG. 5 also illustrates another advantage ofthe suspension system. Each control arm is pivotally coupled to thechassis at a location closer to the vehicle's unloaded (“CGU” in FIG. 5)or loaded (“CGL” in FIG. 5) centers of gravity than the wheels or thewheels rotational axes. In addition, the torsion bars (i.e. springelements that apply a torque to the control arms) are anchored at oneend to the chassis at brackets 326, which are closer to the centers ofgravity than the opposite end of the torsion bars which are fixed to thecontrol arms. As a result of this coupling of the suspensions to thechassis, when a transient upward force (such as an upward impulse forcecaused by running over a rock) is applied to a wheel, it is nottransferred directly to the corner of the chassis where the wheel islocated, but is translated to the chassis as an upward force at thecontrol arm pivot point (i.e. at the spherical bearings) and as a torqueapplied adjacent to the center of gravity. By translating this forceaway from the corner of the vehicle to a more central location on thechassis (i.e. a location closer to the center of gravity) the degree ofpitching is significantly reduced. In short, the vehicle rides smootherover uneven ground.

[0069] Control System

[0070] In the previous section we discussed the structural features ofthe skid steer loader having a sprung and damped suspension. In thesimplest embodiment of the suspension, hydraulic cylinders 138 aresimply shock absorbers—passive shock absorbers such as those regularlyemployed in automobiles and trucks to damp the oscillation of asuspension with respect to a vehicle chassis. In a preferred embodiment,they can be electronically controlled automotive or truck-type shockabsorbers in which an electrical signal transmitted to the shockabsorber regulates the stiffness of the shock and/or the degree ofdamping provided by the shock absorber. In a more preferred embodiment,they can be load leveling or gas filled shock absorbers in which thedamping structure within the shock absorber itself pumps the shockabsorber up to a proper height of operation, or one in which theoperator may charge a gas bladder within the shock absorber to raise orlower the suspension by providing a spring force in addition to (or inplace of) that provided by the torsion bars. This arrangement would besufficient to damp the vehicular oscillations in existing skid steerloaders and thereby increase the speed and the load-carrying capacity ofa conventional skid steer loader.

[0071] There are several other features to the system, however, embodiedin the hydraulic circuitry and the electronic circuitry illustratedherein that collectively comprise the control system of the skid steerloader and that significantly enhance the operation of a skid steerloader with the mechanical suspension described above. In this sectionsuch an improved control system will be explained including the operatorinput devices and the manner in which they operate, the electroniccontrollers and their programming, and certain features of the hydrauliccircuit that the operator input devices and the electronic circuitrycontrol.

[0072]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the primary operator input devices thatare preferred for use with the vehicle described above. As shown in FIG.6A, the operator's seat 142 located in operator compartment 130 includesa pair of arm rests: A left arm rest 602 and a right arm rest 604. Eachof these armrests has an associated joystick 606 and 608. Thesejoysticks preferably have at least two degrees of freedom that permitmotion along an X axis and a Y axis and a combination of the two. FIG.6B is a plan view of the seat of FIG. 6A showing these two directions.Each of joysticks 606 and 608 are preferably of a pistol grip design. Inthis preferred grip design, grips 610 and 612 of joysticks 606 and 608are elongate members that extend generally vertically and provide awider grasping surface with an area sufficient to permit severalswitches (described below) to be attached for easy manipulation by theoperator when he has deflected the joysticks. This placement or switcheson the joysticks themselves permits the operator to engage or disengageswitches that transmit signals to the electronic controllers when he isin the midst of a moving or lifting operation using the same hand heuses to manipulate the joystick.

[0073] Joysticks 606 and 608 are preferably spring-loaded devices thatreturn to a central and upright neutral position when released by theoperator. The joysticks preferably generate two separate electricalsignals, each electrical signal indicating the deflection of thejoystick in the X and the Y directions. Thus, when the joystick is movedfore-and-aft (i.e. in the Y direction or −Y direction) a firstelectrical signal generated by that joystick not only the distancedeflected but the direction it is defected from the neutral position aswell. In a similar fashion, when the joysticks are moved laterally withrespect to the vehicle from their neutral position either to the left orto the right (i.e. in the −X or X direction) a second electrical signalis generated that indicates not only the distance of the deflection fromthe neutral position, but the direction it is defected as well. In thismanner, both joysticks resolve motion in their two orthogonal directions(X and Y) into two separate electrical signals for processing by theelectronic controller to which the joysticks are coupled (describedbelow).

[0074] Joysticks 606 and 608 are preferably configured to generateelectrical signals by way of internal potentiometers or shaft encoderscoupled to the grips of the joysticks. This arrangement is conventionaland well known in the art.

[0075]FIG. 6C illustrates details of the construction of grips 610 and612. In these embodiments, the grips are upright and slightly inwardlyturning.

[0076] A plurality of buttons or switches 614 are provided on the handleof joystick 608 to permit the operator to select various modes ofoperation of the suspension system. The switches 614 are electricallyconnected to the electronic control system, and in particular to thesuspension controller of the electronic control system (FIG. 8). In analternative embodiment (not shown), the switches or buttons 614 can bemounted in a similar location and manner on joystick 606. By fixingswitches or buttons 614 to joysticks that control the drive motors, orthe loader cylinders and the bucket cylinders, the operator can signalthe control system connected to the switches with the same hand he isusing to move the vehicle over the ground or to raise and lower theloader arms or to tilt the bucket cylinders without having to releasethese controls. The joysticks are self-centering, and move to a normally“off” or central position in which hydraulic fluid flow to and from thehydraulic motors that drive the vehicle and the hydraulic cylinders thatposition the bucket and loader arms is stopped. If the user was requiredto release the joysticks to manipulate buttons or switches 614 (as hewould be if they were not located on the joysticks), the vehicle wouldstop moving and the loader arms and bucket would stop moving until heagain grasped and manipulated the joysticks.

[0077] Each of the joysticks 606 and 608 permit grips 610 and 612 tomove to virtually an infinite number of positions in the two-dimensionalX/Y plane. This permits the operator to select joystick 606 controls theoperation of the lift arms and the bucket tilt position. When joystick606 is moved from the neutral position (shown in FIG. 6B) forward in the+Y direction, the electronic control system causes loader arms 120(FIG. 1) to lower. This lowering is caused by the retraction of thepiston rods of lift cylinders 112 into the hollow cylinder itself. In asimilar fashion, moving joystick 606 in the −Y direction by pulling thejoystick handle straight back towards the operator causes the upwardmovement of the lift arms. When joystick 606 is moved from the neutralposition in the +X direction (i.e. toward the right as shown in FIG. 6B)bucket cylinder 114 retracts, thereby pivoting bucket 116 about pivotjoint 118 in a direction which serves to hold material within bucket116. Similarly, when the operator moves joystick 606 in the −X direction(to the left as shown in FIG. 6B) bucket cylinder 114 extends causingbucket 116 to pivot about joint 118 in a direction that empties thebucket.

[0078] The rate at which the bucket cylinder and the lift cylinders moveis a function of how far the joystick is deflected in either the +X and−X direction or the +Y and −Y directions respectively. The farther thejoystick is deflected, the faster the corresponding cylinders extend andretract.

[0079] Joystick 606 can move simultaneously in both the X and Ydirections. Since two signals are generated by joystick 606 indicativeof movement in both the X and the Y directions, joystick 606 is therebyconfigured to simultaneously generate two electrical signals, oneindicative of the rate of bucket tilt and the direction of bucket tiltand the other electrical signal indicative of the rate at which theloader arms will be lifted or lowered and their direction of movement,(i.e. whether loader arms 120 are lifted or lowered).

[0080] Joystick 608 is configured to control the pumps 106 and 108,which are coupled to engine 104 (FIG. 1). These pumps are hydraulicallyconnected to the four drive motors, and hence control the direction andspeed of travel of the loader. Joystick 608 when moved forward from theneutral position (show in FIG. 6B) in the +Y direction causes the wheelloader to move straight ahead. When joystick 608 is pulled backwardstoward the operator in the −Y direction, it causes the loader to movestraight backwards. When joystick 608 is moved in the −X direction(leftward in FIG. 6B) from the neutral position, it causes the loader topivot about a vertical axis extending upward through the center of thevehicle without moving forwards or backwards. Similarly, when joystick608 is moved in the +X direction (rightward in FIG. 6B) it causes theloader to rotate in a rightward direction about a vertical axisextending generally upward through the center of the vehicle. As in thecase of joystick 606, the speed of movement is a function of the amountof joystick deflection. The farther joystick 608 is deflected in the +Ydirection, the faster the vehicle moves forward. The farther thejoystick 608 is moved in the −Y direction, the faster the vehicle movesbackwards. The farther the joystick is moved in the −X direction, thefaster the vehicle turns to the left. The farther the joystick is movedin the +X direction, the faster the vehicle turns to the right.

[0081] As in the case of joystick 606, joystick 608 is free to move tovirtually an infinite number of positions in the X-Y plane. In thesepositions joystick 608 will generate both a fore-and-aft signal and aside-to-side signal indicative of combined forward or backward movementand rotational movement. Thus, by moving joystick 608 into the upperright quadrant of the X-Y plane, the loader will not only move forwardbut will turn gradually to the right. Moving the joystick into the upperleft quadrant will cause the vehicle to move both forward and to theleft. Movement into the lower left quadrant causes the vehicle to movebackward and to the left. Movement of the joystick into the lower rightquadrant causes the vehicle to move backward and to the right.

[0082] This movement is caused by the electronic control systemresponding to the two discrete electrical signals provided by joystick608, one indicative of motion in the Y direction and one indicative ofmotion in the X direction. The electronic control system is coupled topumps 106 and 108, which are coupled to the left hand and right handhydraulic motors of the loader, respectively. By varying the output—thespecific displacement—of these pumps, the electronic control systemcauses the wheels on the left side of the loader to rotate at adifferent speed then the wheels on the right hand side of the loader. Itis this difference in right and left side wheel velocity that causes thevehicle to turn, and in the limiting case, to rotate in place.

[0083]FIG. 7 is a map of all the positions in the X-Y plane to which theoperator can move joystick 608. The outer box 700 shows the entire rangeof combined X and Y positions to which the joystick can be moved.

[0084] When the joystick is in its neutral or origin position, shown inFIG. 7 as “0”, the loader doesn't move. Thus, whenever the operatorreleases the joystick and it returns automatically to its origin orneutral position by its internal springs, the loader is stopped. Nohydraulic fluid is provided by pumps 106 and 108 to the drive motors.The electronic control system may stop the wheels immediately on returnto neutral or origin position “0”, or it may gradually reduce the speedof the vehicle to zero while keeping the vehicle deceleration withinacceptable limits. In either case, return of joystick 608 to the neutralorigin position “0” stops the vehicle.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, we can see a two-dimensional map of thepositions in the X and Y directions to which the operator can movejoystick 608. The joystick is configured to generate two independentsignals as it is moved into any of these regions, one signal indicativeof the amount of movement of the joystick in the +X and −X directionsand one signal indicative of the degree of movement of the joystick inthe +Y and −Y directions as well as the direction of movement away fromthe origin “0”. In each region, the electronic control system(preferably drive controller 814) performs particular actions based uponthe signals it receives from the joystick. When the joystick is in aparticular region of the X-Y plane (as indicated to the controller bythe magnitude of the two independent joystick signals it receives) thedrive controller performs certain operations associated with thatregion. These regions are represented graphically in FIG. 7 in terms ofthe position of joystick 608. The drive controller maintains a “map” ofpossible joystick positions and performs the functions associated withthat region by comparing the two joystick signals with its internal mapto determine the current joystick region.

[0086] In the preferred embodiment, the drive controller receives thesignals from joystick 608, determines which region the joystick is in,determines the magnitude of the two signals, calculates the desiredmovement of the vehicle corresponding to that region and the location ofthe joystick in that region, calculates the specific displacement ofpumps 106 and 108 to provide that desired or commanded movement, andsignals the pumps to provide that specific displacement. Changing thedisplacement of the pumps drives the wheels in accordance with thatregion (as described below).

[0087] When the joystick is moved to the left to any of the positionsindicated in the “rotate left” region, a signal is transmitted from thejoystick to the drive controller or interpreted by the drive controllerto be a request for the vehicle to rotate about a generally verticalaxis that passes through the center of the vehicle. In short, the drivecontroller causes the left side wheels to rotate in reverse at a firstvelocity and the right side wheels to rotate forward at the samevelocity. This causes the vehicle to skid steer in place without movingforward or reverse. This assumes of course that the texture of theground permits the vehicle to skid steer in this manner. Note that therotate left region includes some movement in the Y direction. Thismovement will not cause the vehicle to move forward or back. In short,movement of the joystick anywhere in the rotate left region of movementcauses the vehicle to rotate left in place. A rotate left region is madeso any accidental jostling of the joystick in the Y direction will notcause the loader to suddenly lurch forward or backwards in the middle ofa skid steer rotation to the left. Thus, if the joystick moves as far inthe Y direction as point A or point B the vehicle will still rotate tothe left and provide generally equal and opposite rotation of velocitiesto the left and right side tires.

[0088] A similar region called the “rotate right” region is providedwhen the joystick is moved to its rightmost position. In this case, whenthe joystick is placed in the rotate right region by the operator, thedrive controller causes the skid steer loader to rotate rightwardlyabout a vertical axis extending generally to the center of the vehicleby causing the wheels on the right side of the vehicle to rotate inreverse at a given velocity and the wheels on the left hand side of thevehicles to rotate in a forward direction at the same velocity. Again,this accommodates the accidental jostling of the joystick in the Ydirection when the operator intends to merely rotate the vehicle to theright about its vertical axis (i.e. to rotate rightwardly in place).

[0089] Another region defined in the range of possible motion ofjoystick 608 is the “rotate left proportional” region. When the joystickis moved from the origin, “O”, leftwardly, the drive controller appliesequal and opposite velocities to the left wheels and the right wheelsproportional to the distance the joystick has been moved in the −Xdirection. Note that as in the case of the rotate left and rotate rightregions, some deflection in the Y direction is permissible withoutcausing the vehicle to move forward or backward. In this region, therotation of velocities are equal and opposite with the wheels on theleft side rotating in reverse at the same speed that the wheels on theright side are rotating forward.

[0090] The “rotate right proportional” region functions similarly to therotate left proportional region. When the joystick is moved rightwardlyfrom the origin the drive controller is configured to rotate the leftside and right side wheels at the same velocity but in oppositedirections. A rotation of velocity of the wheels is equal and oppositeand is proportional to the distance the joystick is deflected from theorigin. In the rotate right proportional region, the left side wheelsrotate forward and the right side wheels rotate in reverse. This causesthe vehicle to generally rotate about a vertical axis located generallyat the center of the vehicle.

[0091] There is a central region called the “stop” region in which theelectronic control system is configured to hold all the wheelsstationary and not apply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors drivingthe wheels. This permits the operator to rest his hand on the joystickand move it slightly without causing a sudden lurch of the vehicle bymovement in either the forward or reverse directions, or by rotationabout a vertical axis, or by a combination of these two movements. Inaddition, there is a narrow dead band shown as region 702 that extendslaterally in the X and −X directions from the spring return origin “O”.Whenever the joystick is moved side-to-side (i.e. in the X or −xdirections) in this narrow region, the drive controller is configured tohold the vehicle wheels stationary by setting the output of pumps 106and 108 to zero.

[0092] Many times, the operator will wish to move the skid steer loaderstraight ahead or straight backwards without turning either to the rightor the left. This can only be achieved by driving both the left andright wheels in the same direction at the same velocity. There are tworegions of the array of position shown in FIG. 7 that provide thiscapability. They are identified as the “move forward/backwardproportional” region in the legend of FIG. 7. When the joystick is movedfrom the origin straight forward in the Y direction, the electroniccontroller is configured to drive the wheels on both sides of thevehicle forward at a velocity proportional to the deflection in the Ydirection. The velocities of the wheels on the left side and the wheelson the right side of the vehicle will remain substantially the same aslong as the joystick stays within this region. Note that the region hasa finite predetermined width in the X and −X directions. The reason thiswidth is provided is to accommodate the almost inevitable side-to-sidejostling of the joystick that will occur as the operator moves thevehicle forward through the field. Without providing this finitepredetermined width, when the operator hit a bump and nudged thejoystick away from the Y axis the vehicle would turn slightly to theright or the left away from the straight ahead direction that theoperator wishes to move it.

[0093] There is a similar area provided for deflections of the joystickfrom the origin in the −Y direction. This region has the samefunctionality as the straight ahead region in that it accommodatesslight side to side jostling of the joystick in the X or −X directionwithout causing the vehicle to veer side to side. Since this portion ofthe move forward/backward proportional region is disposed below theorigin (in FIG. 7) it ensures that the vehicle will move straightbackwards without veering side to side.

[0094] The speed of rotation of the wheels whether the vehicle is goingforward or backwards in the “move forward/backward proportional” regionis proportional to the degree of deflection of the joystick away fromthe origin. The farther the joystick is moved from the origin in the Ydirection, the faster the vehicle moves forward. The farther thejoystick is moved from the origin in the −Y direction, the faster thevehicle moves backwards. Again, as long as the joystick is kept withinthe move forward/backward proportional region, the electronic controlsystem will apply the same amount of hydraulic fluid from pumps 106 and108 to the left and right side wheels at the same rate. Thus, thevehicle will travel straight forward or straight in reverse.

[0095] The final region of the two dimensional array of positions ofjoystick 608 is the “move and turn proportional” region. This region isactually in the form of four separate regions in the upper left, upperright, lower left, and lower right areas or quadrants of the twodimensional array of positions identified as “W”, “X”, “Y” and “Z”.Whenever the joystick is moved into these areas, the drive controller isconfigured to drive the left side wheels at a different velocity thenthe right side wheels and also to drive them at these differentvelocities in the same direction. Thus, when the joystick is moved intothe move and turn proportional region identified as “W”, both the leftside wheels and the right side wheels are driven forward. In this regionthe right side wheels are driven at a velocity greater than the leftside wheels thereby causing the vehicle to move forward and also turn tothe left. In region “X”, both the left side wheels and the right sidewheels are driven forward. The left side wheels, however, are drivenforward at a velocity greater than that of the right side wheels. Thiscauses the vehicle to move forward and gradually turn to the right. Inregion “Y”, both the left side wheels and the right side wheels aredriven in reverse causing the vehicle to move backwards. The right sidewheels are driven slightly faster in the reverse direction then the leftside wheels, however, causing the vehicle to travel in reverse and turnthe front of the vehicle towards the right (i.e. rotate clockwise).Similarly, in region “Z”, both the left side and right side wheels aredriven in reverse with the left side wheels rotating at a highervelocity then the right side wheels. This causes the vehicle to movebackwards and at the same time to turn the front of the vehicle towardsthe left (i.e. to rotate counter clockwise). In each region W, X, Y, andZ, the velocities of the wheels change proportional to the degree ofdeflection in the X and Y directions. The farther the joystick is movedin the −X direction, the greater the velocity of the right side wheelswith respect to the left side wheels. The farther the joystick is movedin the X direction, the greater the velocity of the left side wheelswith respect to the right side wheels. In a similar fashion, while inthe move and turn proportional region, the farther the joystick is movedin either the Y or the −Y direction away from the origin, the fasterboth the wheels on the left side and on the right side rotate.

[0096] For all the joystick positions shown in FIG. 7, regardless of theparticular region the joystick is in, it is the electronic controlsystem, and in particular the drive controller that is configured toreceive the two electrical signals indicative of deflection in the +Y/−Ydirection and deflection in the +X/−X direction and to convert them intothe appropriate flow rates of fluid through the hydraulic motors on eachof the 4 wheels. This electronic control system is shown in schematicform in FIG. 8.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 8, the electronic control system 800 isshown as it is connected to the other major components of the systemincluding joystick 606 and 608, buttons 614 on joystick 608, suspensionsensors 802 which indicate the pivotal position of each of the foursuspensions with respect to the chassis, the suspension valves 804 whichcontrol fluid flow to and from hydraulic cylinders 138, loader valves806 which control fluid flow to and from lift cylinders 112 and bucketcylinders 114 and hydraulic pumps 106 and 108 which provide fluid toeach of the 4 hydraulic motors that drive the 4 wheels of the vehicle.Electronic control system 800 is preferably configured as a plurality ofindividual electronic controllers 808, 810, and 814 that communicatewith one another to share data that indicates the position of thevarious sensors, actuators, and operator input devices to which they arecoupled. Controller 808 in the preferred embodiment is called thesuspension controller since it is responsible for controlling theoperation of hydraulic cylinders 138 in response to suspension positionsindicated by suspension sensors 802 and operator commands enteredthrough buttons 614. A second electronic controller, loader controller810 is called a “loader controller” since it is electronically connectedto joystick 606, the operator input device used by the operator tocommand the desired motion of the loader lift arms and the bucket, aswell as controlling the loader valves 806 that regulate the flow offluid to and from those cylinders.

[0098] The final electronic controller in electronic control system 800is the drive controller 814. It is called a “drive controller” since itreceives operator commands from joystick 608, the input device used bythe operator to command the direction and manner of movement of the skidsteer loader. It controls the speed of the wheels in response to theoperator's joystick commands. Drive controller 814 controls the specificdisplacement of hydraulic pumps 106 and 108 to which it is coupled. The“specific displacement” of a pump is the volume of hydraulic fluid thepump provides for each cycle or revolution of that pump. In thepreferred embodiment, pumps 106 and 108 are piston pumps and theirdisplacement is changed by varying the swash plate position of thosepumps.

[0099] Pump 106 is hydraulically coupled to motors 310A and 310B (FIG.9) which are connected to the front and rear wheels 102A and 102B on theleft side of the vehicle. Pump 108 is hydraulically coupled to motors310C and 310D (FIG. 9) which are connected to the front and rear drivewheels on the right side of the vehicle.

[0100] At a constant engine speed (the typically mode of operation) thespeed of the motors is varied directly with the specific displacement ofthe pumps. Thus the specific displacement of the pumps is generallyproportional to the rotational speed of the motors and hence therotational speed of the wheels and hence the speed of the vehicle overthe ground.

[0101] Drive controller 814 is also electrically connected to motorspeed sensors 820. These sensors are preferably shaft encoders mountedon motors 310A, 310B, 310C and 310D to provide a signal indicative ofthe wheel (motor) velocity. Since the wheels are fixed to theirrespective motors through planetary gear reduction wheel hubs (FIG. 3),the relationship between the speed of the motors and the speed of thewheels is fixed and proportional.

[0102] Each of controllers 808, 810, and 814 are coupled to one anothervia a serial communications bus 812, which transmits data from onecontroller to the other as needed in order to permit each controller toperform the functions described herein.

[0103] The preferred circuit for suspension controller 808, loadercontroller 810, and drive controller 814 is the Siemens C167 electroniccontrol unit. This device is particularly preferred since it includesRAM and ROM memory on board, has pulse width modulation (PWM) drivercircuitry on board, and has signal conditioning circuits configured todebounce and otherwise condition signals received from electronicsensors and switches such as buttons 614. A further advantage in usingthe Siemens C167 electronic control unit for each of the controllersshown herein, is the fact that it also includes a built-in serialcommunications bus circuitry that permits it to communicate with similardevices over serial communications bus 812 shown in FIG. 8. Thiscircuitry is configured to communication using the SAE J-1939 CAN buscommunications protocol. In the preferred embodiment, serialcommunications bus 812 is a CAN bus.

[0104] Suspension sensors 802 are preferably shaft encoders orpotentiometers coupled both to chassis 100 and to each of the swing arms(four suspension sensors in all) to sense the pivotal position of eachof the swing arms with respect to chassis 100 and to provide a signalindicative of this position to controller 808. In this manner,suspension controller 808 is aware of the height of the vehicle withrespect to the ground and the position of the suspensions with respectto the chassis.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment, suspension sensors 802 may be limitswitches, such as an upper, a lower, or upper and lower limit switchesfixed to the chassis or to the control arms to indicate whether thesuspension is above or below a particular pivotal position limit, orwhether the suspension is within an upper and a lower position limit.The limit switches can be fixed to the chassis or to the suspensioncomponents. They may be contact devices that require actual contact tooperate, or proximity devices such as Hall effect switches or lightsensors.

[0106] Suspension controller 808 is electrically connected to anaccelerometer 816, which is fixed to the vehicle to provide a signalindicative of the acceleration of the vehicle in a fore-and-aftdirection as well as laterally (side-to-side). Suspension controller 808is electrically coupled to a satellite navigation receiver 817 thatprovides vehicle position data to the suspension controller. Thesatellite navigation receiver is preferably a GPS receiver. Based uponthis position data, suspension controller 808 is configured to calculatelateral and longitudinal acceleration as well as vehicle velocity.

[0107] Suspension controller 808 is also coupled to and drivessuspension valves 804. These valves (shown in more detail together withthe rest of the hydraulic suspension circuit in FIG. 10), control therate at which hydraulic cylinders 138 extend and retract. In addition,they control the degree of damping provided by hydraulic cylinders 138by varying the effective orifice size through which hydraulic fluid isreleased from and introduced to the hydraulic cylinders.

[0108] Loader controller 810 is electrically connected to operator inputdevice 606, the joystick that controls the operation of the liftcylinders and the bucket cylinders. This is shown in more detail in thehydraulic circuit of FIG. 10 as described above in conjunction withFIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0109] Loader controller 810 is configured to receive the electricalsignals from joystick 606, one signal indicative of lateral movement(X/−X) of joystick 606 and the other signal indicative of fore-and-aftmovement (Y/−Y) of joystick 606, and to convert those two electricalsignals into signals that it applies to the loader valves 806. Theseapplied signals cause lift cylinders 112 and bucket cylinders 114 toextend or retract thereby raising and lowering loader arms 120, anddumping or inwardly tilting the bucket 116.

[0110] Drive controller 814 is electrically connected to joystick 608 toreceive two electrical signals, one indicative of lateral motion of thejoystick and one indicative of fore-and-aft motion of the joystick. Asdescribed above in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6D and 7, drive controller814 is programmed to receive the signals and, depending upon themagnitude of the two signals (i.e. the electrical signal indicatingdeflection in the X or side-to-side direction and the electrical signalindicating joystick deflection in the Y or fore-and-aft direction),calculates the appropriate specific displacements (i.e. swash platepositions) of pumps 106 and 108 and transmits an electrical signal tothose swash plate positions to pumps 106 and 108 to cause the wheels onthe left side and on the right side of the vehicle to rotate at thecommanded speed. These commanded specific displacements indicate thedesired velocities of the wheels and are saved in digital memorylocations in drive controller 814. By varying the specific displacementof pumps 106 and 108, the volumetric flow rate of fluid to the fourdrive motors (one hydraulic motor per wheel) the rate at which thewheels rotate is varied.

[0111] To determine the appropriate swash plate position and thus thespecific displacement of pumps 106 and 108, drive controller 814 iscoupled to speed sensor 818 on engine 104. Speed sensor 818 provides asignal to drive controller 814 that is indicative of the rotationalspeed of engine 104. Pumps 106 and 108 rotate at a speed proportional tothat of engine 104. If they are directly coupled to the crankshaft ofengine 104 as shown in FIG. 8, they rotate at the identical speed asthat of engine 104. Thus, drive controller 814 calculates the volumetricflow rate from pumps 106 and 108 and determines the desired swash plateposition of each of pumps 106 and 108 by combining the speed signal fromspeed sensor 818 with the desired vehicle speed indicated by joystick608. The drive controller combines these values and determines theappropriate specific displacements and swash plate positions of pumps106 and 108 accordingly.

[0112]FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified hydrostatic drive circuit, thecircuit that connects pumps 106 and 108 to the four hydraulic motorsthat are coupled to each of the wheels 102. In FIG. 1, the wheels wereidentified simply as wheels 102. In this figure, they are identified asleft front wheel 102A, left rear wheel 102B, right front wheel 102C andright rear wheel 102D. The corresponding hydrostatic motors that driveeach of these wheels are indicated as left front hydrostatic motor 310A,left rear hydrostatic motor 310B, right front hydrostatic motor 310C andright rear hydrostatic motor 310D. Motors 310A and 310B are connected inseries with pump 106 to provide a continuous fluid flow circuit frompump 106 through motor 310A then through motor 310B then back to pump106. In addition, pump 106 can drive fluid in the opposite directionthrough the hydraulic flow path from pump 106 through motor 310B, thenthrough motor 310A and then back to pump 106. Pump 108 and hydrostaticmotors 310C and 310D are similarly arranged as a continuousbi-directional fluid flow circuit and are similarly configured for flowin both directions. As indicated by the symbols used for pumps 106 and108, the pumps have a variable displacement that is controlled by signallines 900 and 902, respectively, that extend from the swash platecontrols on the pumps to drive controller 814. In this manner, drivecontroller 814 is able to vary the specific displacement of these pumpsto provide a continuously variable flow rate in both directions throughthe pumps and motors. Each of pumps 106 and 108 are connected to anddriven by engine 104.

[0113] It should be understood from FIG. 9 that there are essentiallytwo independent hydraulic drive circuits. One circuit connects one pumpand two hydraulic motors on one side of the vehicle. Another circuitconnects a second pump and two hydraulic motors on the other side of thevehicle. Thus, drive controller 814 can, by varying the displacement ofeach of the two pumps controlling these separate circuits, separatelyand independently vary the speed and rotational direction of the motorson each side of the vehicle. It is this ability to separately controlthe motors (and hence the wheels) on each side of the vehicle thatprovides the skid steering ability of the vehicle.

[0114] Each of the two drive circuits includes an additional circuitelement connected in parallel with the pump (and also with the motors).These elements are overpressure relief valve and hydraulic fluid make-upcircuits 906 and 908. Relief circuit 906 is coupled to the drive circuitfor the wheels on the left hand side of the vehicle, including pump 106and motors 310A and 310B. Relief circuit 908 is coupled to the drivecircuit for the wheels on the right hand side of the vehicle, includingpump 108 and motors 310C and 310D.

[0115] When pumps 106 and 108 are moved away from their neutral (zerooutput) positions, they begin to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid totheir respective motors. This pressure can be applied in eitherdirection, depending upon the commanded position of the pumps' swashplates. This pressure acts against the check valve 916 in the reliefcircuit causing to remain closed. It also acts against pressure reliefvalve 914. When the pressure acting on the relief valve rises above apredetermined pressure (that is slightly above the operating pressure ofthe circuit), relief valve 914 opens causing fluid to enter hydraulicline 918. This line, in turn, is coupled to charge pump pressure reliefvalve 904, which is set at a predetermined pressure that is lower thanthe pressure setting of relief valve 914. This causes relief valve 904to open and direct the hydraulic fluid back to hydraulic tank orreservoir 912. In this manner, pressures above the design pressure ofthe circuit are released and excess hydraulic fluid is returned back totank 912. Note that each of circuits 906 and 908 are symmetrical withrespect to their associated pumps and therefore provide pressure reliefcapabilities for hydraulic fluid flows acting in either direction thoughtheir respective drive circuits.

[0116] Charge pump 111 is also coupled to engine 104 to provide a supplyof make-up hydraulic fluid. Typically, the components in each of thedrive circuits exhibit some leakage, and therefore additional hydraulicfluid must be provided to replace the lost fluid. This is the functionperformed by charge pump 111. Charge pump 111 typically provideshydraulic fluid at a lower pressure than the high output pressureprovided by pumps 106 or 108 as regulated by relief valve 904. Valve 904is typically set at a pressure of about 300 psi. When the output ofcharge pump 111 rises to the pressure setting of relief valve 904, valve904 opens and conducts the fluid from pump 111 back to tank 912.

[0117] The fluid pumped by charge pump 111 enters hydraulic line 918 andis conducted into circuits 906 and 908. Since these circuits areconnected in parallel with pumps 106 and 108, one side of these circuitsis at a relatively low pressure and one side is at a relatively highpressure (assuming pumps 106 and 108 are not in neutral and aretherefore providing hydraulic fluid under pressure to their respectivemotors) As described above, one of the check valves 916 in circuits 906and 908 is connected to the high pressure side of pumps 106 and 108,respectively, and therefore is held closed. The other of the checkvalves 916 in circuits 906 and 908 is connected to the suction or lowpressure side of the pumps and is therefore at a lower pressure,typically below the pressure set by charge pump relief valve 904. As aresult, hydraulic fluid is forced through check valve 916 connected tothe suction side of its respective pump and fills the motor drivecircuit with replacement fluid for any fluid that has leaked out orotherwise been released. In this manner, fluid leaking from either drivecircuit is replenished automatically.

[0118]FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of the loader hydraulic circuit,the circuit that lifts and lowers loader arms 120 and tilts bucket 116(FIG. 1). As described in conjunction with FIG. 1, the loader arms arelifted by two lift cylinders 112, one disposed on each side of thevehicle. Similarly, bucket 116 is pivoted about its pivot 118 by twobucket cylinders 114, one located on either side of the vehicle. Inconjunction with FIG. 8, we explained how loader controller 810 controlsthe motion of these cylinders by loader valves 806 in response tooperator commands provided by joystick 606. FIG. 10 illustrates loadervalves 806 and their hydraulic connections to motor 110, to liftcylinders 112, and to bucket cylinders 114 that are used to effect thesecommands. The loader valves 806 of FIG. 8 are shown here as loader valvecircuits 806A and 806B.

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 10, the loader hydraulic circuit includesengine 104, loader control pump 110, bucket control valve circuit 806A,loader arm control valve circuit 806B, unloading valve circuit 806C,left and right bucket cylinders 114A and 114B (shown as item 114 in FIG.1), and left and right loader arm cylinders 112A and 112B (shown as item112 in FIG. 1).

[0120] Engine 104 is coupled to and drives pump 110. Pump 110 issupplied with hydraulic fluid from tank or reservoir 912 to which it iscoupled. Pump 110, in turn, is coupled to and provides pressurizedhydraulic fluid to bucket valve circuit 806A, loader arm valve circuit806B and unloading valve circuit 806C. Pump 110 is preferably a fixeddisplacement pump.

[0121] Bucket valve circuit 806A regulates the flow of hydraulic fluidunder pressure from pumps 110 to left and right bucket cylinders 114Aand 114B to which it is coupled. Circuit 806A is coupled to and betweenthe bucket cylinders and the pump and tank.

[0122] Loader arm valve circuit 806B regulates the flow of hydraulicfluid under pressure from pump 110 to left and right loader armcylinders 112A and 112B to which it is coupled. Circuit 806B is coupledto and between the loader arm cylinders, the pump and the tank.

[0123] Bucket cylinders 114A and 114B are double-acting cylinderscoupled together in parallel to form a common extend port hydraulic lineand a common retract port hydraulic line. Loader arm cylinders 112A and112B are similarly arranged.

[0124] Bucket valve circuit 806A includes a hydraulic control valve 1000that is coupled to and between the pump and tank and the bucketcylinders to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of thebucket cylinders. The valve is a bi-directional control valve using twosolenoids 1002 and 1004 to actuate the valve. Solenoids 1002 and 1004are used for retracting (cupping) and extending (dumping) the bucket,respectively. The valves are preferably operated in a proportionalcontrol mode using a pulse-width modulated signal that is generated byloader controller 810 and applied to signal lines 1006 and 1008 tosolenoids 1002 and 1004, respectively.

[0125] Circuit 806A also includes an overpressure relief valve 1010 thatis coupled to and between the common extend port hydraulic line and tank912. When pressure in the common extend port hydraulic line exceeds apreset value, the valve opens and dumps fluid to tank 912.

[0126] Loader arm valve circuit 806B includes a hydraulic control valve1012 that is coupled to and between the pump and tank and the loader armcylinders to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of theloader arm cylinders. The valve is a bi-directional control valve usingtwo solenoids 1014 and 1016 to actuate the valve. Solenoids 1014 and1016 are used for retracting (lowering) and extending (raising) theloader arms, respectively. The valves are preferably operated in aproportional control mode using a pulse width modulated signal that isgenerated by loader controller 810 and applied to signal lines 1018 and1020 to solenoids 1014 and 1016, respectively.

[0127] Circuit 806B also includes an overpressure relief valve 1022 thatis coupled to and between the common extend port hydraulic line and tank912. When pressure in the common extend port hydraulic line exceeds apreset value, the valve opens and dumps fluid to tank 912.

[0128] Unloading valve circuit 806C includes an unloading valve 1024that dumps fluid flow from pump 110 whenever the output of pump 110generates a higher pressure than the pressure applied to valve 1024 onsignal line 1026 (plus an offset pressure determined by spring 1028).Signal line 1026 is connected to tank when both bucket valve 1000 andloader arm valve 1012 are closed thereby unloading the circuit when nohydraulic fluid is needed. Pump 1000 is loaded until it generates apressure equal to tank pressure (about 0 psi) plus the pressureequivalent provided by spring 1028. This is typically about 60 psi.

[0129] Whenever either the bucket valve 1000 or the loader arm valve1012 (or both) is opened, signal line 1026 is connected through theopened valve (or valves) to the cylinders. The unloading valve thecloses until the pressure is about 60 psi above the pressure in thecylinder (i.e. in signal line 1026).

[0130] In this manner, pump 110 is unloaded to provide a net positivepressure to the cylinders of about 60 psi, regardless of the actualpressure in the cylinder.

[0131] Should the pressure in signal line 1026 exceed proper designlimits, a pressure relief valve 1030 that is coupled to and between tank912 and signal line 1026 will open causing the fluid in signal line 1026to dump to tank 912.

[0132] In the loader control circuit of FIG. 10, valves 1000 and 1012are bi-directional and are shown as a single valve body. They may be inthe form of a single valve, as shown here, or may be configured as twoor more valves. They may be driven by a pulse width modulated signal ora current driver circuit. The various pressure relief and overpressurecontrol elements can be eliminated or placed elsewhere if the systemcomponents are sufficiently strong. The unloading circuit is preferredwhen the system is used with a fixed displacement pump. If a variabledisplacement pump is used, or if valves 1000 or 1012 are configured asopen center valves, it can be eliminated or reconfigured.

[0133]FIG. 11 illustrates the suspension hydraulic circuit, thehydraulic valves, accumulators and actuators that collectively controlthe flow of hydraulic fluid to and from cylinders 138. Valves 1102,1106, 1108, 1110, and 1126 are shown in FIG. 8 as suspension valves 804.As explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, cylinders 138 may betraditional passive hydraulic shock absorbers. They may also, however,be electronically controlled hydraulic actuators such as thedouble-acting dual-ported hydraulic cylinders 138 illustrated in FIG.11. By providing intelligent control of the flow of fluid into and outof cylinders 138, and the connection between the cylinders and theirassociated springs (i.e. accumulators 1104) the ride of the skid steervehicle can be optimized for a variety of operating conditions.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11, each of the four suspensions on the skidsteer vehicle includes several components indicated by block 1100. Thereare four of these sets of components, one for each of the suspensions onthe vehicle shown one above the other in FIG. 11. Each suspensionincludes a retraction valve 1102 that is electrically actuated andcontrols the flow of fluid out of cylinder 138 and accumulator 1104.Each suspension also includes an extension valve 1106 that controls theflow of hydraulic fluid into accumulator 1104 and cylinder 138. Eachsuspension also has an associated lockup valve 1108 that controls theflow of fluid into or out of accumulator 1104 and a second lockup valve1110 that controls the flow of fluid into and out of a retraction portof cylinder 138. An orifice 1112 is located in the hydraulic linecoupled to one port of cylinder 138 to throttle the flow of fluid intoand/or out of that port. In the preferred embodiment shown here theorifice is disposed to regulate flow to and from the extend port ofcylinder 138. Orifice 1112 damps the flow of fluid between cylinder 138and accumulator 1104 and thereby causes cylinder 138 and its accumulator1104 to act as a suspension shock absorber. In the preferred embodiment,orifice 1112 is fixed. Depending on the needs of a particularapplication, fixed orifice 1112 could be replaced with a variableorifice, which would allow tuning of the skid steer vehicle suspensionsystem. A check valve 1115 is connected in parallel with orifice 1112 tofree flow in one flow direction: into cylinder 138. Damping is therebyprovided in one direction: whenever the suspensions are forced upwardtoward the chassis. It maybe beneficial in some applications to providesuch damping in one direction but not in the other.

[0135] Depending upon the positions of lockup valves 1108 and 1110,several different operational modes for the skid steer vehicle can beprovided. During normal operation over the ground, lockup valve 1108 isopen and lockup valve 1110 is open. In this arrangement, the extensionport of cylinder 138 is coupled through lockup valve 1108 to accumulator1104 and to the retraction port of cylinder 138. Both retraction valve1102 and extension valve 1106 are closed thus preventing fluid fromentering or leaving the accumulator/cylinder 138 system of eachsuspension. As the vehicle is driven over rough ground and the wheelsare pushed upward with respect to the vehicle, the pistol in cylinder138 is forced out the extension port. This causes hydraulic fluid toexit the extension port through orifice 1112, through lockup valve 1108and into accumulator 1104 and into the retraction port of cylinder 138.Accumulator 1104 acts as a hydraulic spring in the system partiallysupporting the weight of the skid steer vehicle and absorbing the fluidejected from the extension port. Fluid flow through orifice 1112 dampsthe oscillation. When the wheel rebounds after the impact, hydraulicfluid under pressure in accumulator 1104 follows the reverse paththrough lockup valve 1108 through orifice 1112 and back into theextension port of cylinder 138. With a constant volume of fluid in theaccumulator 1104/cylinder 138 system, the skid steer loader will ride ata relatively constant height with cylinder 138 either extending orretracting as the vehicle bounces up and down over rough terrain with aconstant payload or total vehicle weight.

[0136] When the vehicle's weight changes, such as by filling the bucketwith dirt or other material, or by emptying the bucket, the sameconstant volume of fluid in the cylinder/accumulator system will permitthe vehicle to ride lower or higher, respectively. The height of thevehicle above the ground will increase or decrease, and the position ofthe suspensions with respect to the chassis will change. This is due tothe compression of the gas in the accumulator.

[0137] The height of the skid steer vehicle can be varied by eitheradding more fluid to each accumulator 1104/cylinder 138 system orremoving fluid from that system. This emptying and filling is providedby retraction valve 1102 and extension valve 1106, respectively.Extension valve 1106 is coupled to a hydraulic supply line 1114, whichis connected through valving to hydraulic pump 113. When extension valve1106 opens, it permits fluid from pump 113 to travel through hydraulicsupply line 1114 and into either the extension port of cylinder 138 orthe extension port of cylinder 138 and accumulator 1104 if lockup valve1108 is also open. By filling cylinder 138 and accumulator 1104 of asuspension, that suspension will extend causing the corner of thevehicle to which a suspension is coupled to raise as that suspension islowered with respect to the chassis.

[0138] To lower a suspension, retraction valve 1102 is opened.Retraction valve 1102 is coupled to hydraulic fluid return line 1116,which is in turn connected to hydraulic reservoir or tank 912. Whenretraction valve 1102 is opened, fluid from the extension port ofcylinder 138 (and accumulator 1104 if lockup valve 1108 is open) isexhausted back to tank 912. This causes the suspension to pivot withrespect to the vehicle and lower the corner of the vehicle to which theswing arm is attached. As the vehicle is lowered, cylinder 138 retracts.When the vehicle is raised, cylinder 138 extends.

[0139] Pump 113 in the preferred embodiment has a fixed specificdisplacement. Since pump 113 is coupled to engine 104, and since engine104 runs at a relatively constant velocity, most of the output of pump113 is not required to fill the accumulators or cylinders 138 of thesuspension system. As explained above, during general operation of thevehicle fluid is neither inserted into each accumulator and cylinderpair or removed from them, fluid merely moves from each accumulator toits corresponding cylinder and vice versa. Pump 113 is provided to raiseor lower each suspension.

[0140] Since pump 113 is preferably a constant displacement pump, itsfluid output must be directed somewhere when not used to raise anysuspension. It is the function of unloading valve 1118 to dump theexcess hydraulic fluid pumped by pump 113. Unloading valve 1118 includesa signal line 1120 that conducts fluid from pump 113 to the right handend of valve 1118. As pump 113 generates a fluid flow, pressure buildsup at its outlet and this pressure is applied through signal line 1120to the right hand end of valve 1118. This pressure on the right hand endof valve 1118 causes the valve to shift leftwardly opening a flow pathto tank 912 through return line 1122. The nominal pressure setting(which is provided by spring 1124) is approximately 60 psi. Assumingthat signal valve 1126 (discussed below) is closed, whenever pump 113generates more than 60 psi of pressure, fluid is conducted through line1122 back to tank 912.

[0141] Whenever any of extension valves 1106 are opened, a fluid flowpath is provided into supply line 1114 to that extension valve 1106 andinto either cylinder 138 or accumulator 1104 (depending on whetherlockup valve 1108 is open or closed). At the same time that controller808 opens any extension valve 1106, it also opens valve 1126, causingthe cylinder pressure of all the cylinders to be applied through checkvalves 1128 and signal valve 1126 to the left hand end of unloadingvalve 1118. This, in turn, closes unloading valve 1118 thereby raisingthe pump pressure (in supply line 1114) to 60 psi above the pressure inthe cylinder with the highest pressure. This 60 psi pressuredifferential is determined by spring 1124.

[0142] Signal valve 1126 is a hydraulic valve that opens and closes topermit fluid pressure in any of the cylinders 138 or accumulators 1104to act against the left hand end of unloading valve 1118. Theaccumulator or cylinder with the highest pressure transmits fluidthrough its associated signal check valve 1128 and into common signalline 1130. Note that each of the suspensions is coupled to common signalline 1130 using a signal check valve 1128. In this manner, fluid isprevented from flowing from one accumulator directly into anotheraccumulator or cylinder on another side of the vehicle. Each of thesuspensions is maintained with its own independent pressure and fluidvolume thereby.

[0143] When pressure from an accumulator 1104 or cylinder 138 isintroduced into common signal line 1130, it also acts against the lefthand end of unloading valve 1118 in cooperation with spring 1124, ifsignal valve 1126 is energized and is open to permit fluid to passtherethrough. The force balance on unloading valve 1118 ensures that thepump output is always 60 psi (in the preferred embodiment) greater thanthe maximum pressure in all of the accumulators 1104 and cylinders 138.By providing a constant pressure differential of 60 lbs. per squareinch, the flow rate into supply line 1114 is limited to approximatelytwo gallons per minute. This has been calculated to provide a cylinderextension of all of cylinders 138 simultaneously of approximately 1.5inches per second when raising the suspensions with fluid from pump 113,assuming of course that all of extension valves 1106 are simultaneouslyopened. By limiting the maximum flow rate into supply line 1114 andthence to the accumulators and cylinders, extremely rapid extensions ofthe cylinders can be prevented. They will all rise at the samecontrolled rate.

[0144] On occasion, the skid steer vehicle may hit a large bump or otherobject that might cause a very large pressure increase in the hydrauliclines connecting accumulator 1104 to cylinder 138. These extremepressures could rupture hydraulic fluid lines or otherwise damagecomponents in the system. For that reason, a pressure relief valve 1132is provided. This pressure relief valve is coupled between hydraulicfluid return line 1116 and common signal line 1130. Whenever a suddenand extreme pressure spike occurs that is beyond the design operatinglimits of the suspension system, this pressure relief valve will openand permit the excess pressure to be dissipated by conducting fluid backto tank 912.

[0145] All of the valves except unloading valve 1118 and pressure reliefvalve 1132 shown in FIG. 11 are electrically actuated valves in whichthe moving valve element is controlled by an electrical solenoid portionof each valve. All of these electrically controlled valves arecollectively represented in FIG. 8 as suspension valves 804. The valvesare controlled by suspension controller 808, which monitors suspensionsensors 802, satellite receiver 817, and accelerometer 816 as well asbuttons 614 mounted in joystick 608 under the control of a programstored in the electronic memory of controller 808 to determine whichvalves should be opened to provide a variety of operating modes. Thesemodes of operation and the programming of suspension controller 808necessary to provide these modes of operation are described below inconjunction with FIGS. 12-19.

[0146] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, each of theaccumulator/cylinder combinations are filled or emptied of fluid, thefluid being hydraulic fluid provided by pump 113. In an alternativeembodiment, a pump or pumps capable of pumping air can be connected tothe gas side of the accumulator to raise and lower the suspensions byfilling or emptying the accumulator of gas. These pumps are preferablyelectrically driven and would be connected directly to suspensioncontroller 808 in the same manner that the existing hydraulic valves areconnected. The accumulator and cylinder could be formed eitherseparately or together as a single body, which would then be providedwith a gas (e.g. air) port to receive and exhaust the gas charge of thedevice. Devices such as “air shocks” (i.e. integral shock absorbers witha pressurized gas spring) would be particularly suitable.

[0147]FIG. 12 illustrates a suspension controller together with detailsof the particular components to which it is connected. These componentsinclude buttons or switches 614, suspension sensors 802, suspensionvalves 1102, 1106, 1108, and 1110 for each of the left front, left rear,right front, and right rear suspensions. They also include signal valve1126, speed sensor (e.g. engine tachometer) 818, accelerometer 816,satellite receiver 817, and CAN bus 812.

[0148] There are six buttons or switches 614 that are coupled tosuspension controller 808. These include suspension control switch 1202,height control switch 1204, level control switch 1206, lockup controlswitch 1208, anti-roll control switch 1210, and anti-dive control switch1212. Each of these switches are provided (preferably on joystick 608),to permit the operator to signal suspension controller 808 of thedesired mode of operation of each of the suspension valves 1102, 1106,1108, 1120, and 1126.

[0149] Suspension control switch 1202 is a rocker switch with threepositions, ON, OFF, and TRANSPORTATION with the OFF position at themiddle. The ON position has a green LED light that shows the status ofthe suspension control. The switch is spring returned to the OFFposition, which is the default. The ON position is momentary on whenpressed. The TRANSPORTATION position is latched on when pressed.

[0150] Height control switch 1204 is a rocker switch with threepositions (RAISE, OFF, and LOWER) with the OFF position in the middle.The switch is spring returned to the OFF position, which is the default.Both of the RAISE and LOWER positions are momentary on when pressed.

[0151] Level control switch 1206 is a rocker switch with threepositions, AUTOMATIC, OFF, and MANUAL with the OFF position at themiddle. The switch is spring returned to the OFF position, which is thedefault. The MANUAL position is momentary on when pressed. The AUTOMATICposition is latched on when pressed.

[0152] Lockup control switch 1208 is a rocker switch with threepositions, AUTOMATIC, OFF, and MANUAL with the OFF position at themiddle. The switch is spring returned to the OFF position, which is thedefault. The MANUAL position is momentary on when pressed. The AUTOMATICposition is latched on when pressed.

[0153] Anti-rolling control switch 1210 is a rocker switch with twopositions, ON and OFF. Both positions are latched on when pressed.

[0154] Anti-diving control switch 1212 is a rocker switch with twopositions, ON and OFF. Both positions are latched on when pressed.

[0155] Whenever the skid steer vehicle is turned off, and the electroniccontrol system 800 is de-energized, each of the suspension valves 1102,1106, 1108, 1110, and 1126 are also de-energized. Since these valvesreceive their power from suspension controller 808, when power isremoved from suspension controller 808 that power is no longer appliedto any of these valves. As a result, the valves return to their default,de-energized positions. Valves 1102, 1106, 1108, 1110 and 1126 areclosed whenever they are de-energized. As a result, hydraulic fluidneither enters nor leaves cylinder 138. With lockup valve 1108 closed,cylinder 138 is disconnected from accumulator 1104. With both of valves1102 and 1106 closed, hydraulic fluid cannot escape cylinders 138 backto either pump 113 or tank 912 (see FIG. 11). In effect, all flow intoor out of each of cylinders 138 is blocked and the position of the foursuspensions is fixed. Each of the swing arms in the suspension is nolonger capable of pivoting with respect to the vehicle.

[0156] When the skid steer vehicle is initially started and theelectronic control system 800 is energized, the skid steer vehicle staysin this rigid state with fixed swing arms until the operatoraffirmatively selects a different operating mode. On initial start up,the vehicle neither rises on its suspensions nor falls on itssuspensions and remains fixed at the same height it had when it wasde-energized. To leave this initial, fixed, start up mode the operatormust press suspension control switch 1202. During operation, suspensioncontroller 808 polls all of the switches 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210and 1212 at a rate of about 100 hertz, or once every 10 milliseconds. Inthis manner, suspension controller 808 is continuously aware of anyoperator manipulations of any of the switches. In the initial start upmode, however, suspension controller 808 will not respond to any ofswitches 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, or 1212 until the operator selects aparticular mode of operation by manipulating suspension control switch1202.

[0157] Suspension control switch 1202 can select three modes ofoperation: an operating or “ON” mode, an “OFF” mode, or a“TRANSPORTATION” mode. In the “OFF” mode, the suspensions remain fixedwith respect to the chassis at all times. The suspensions are locked up.Suspension control switch 1202 has two latched positions: the OFFposition, which is the spring-loaded default position, and theTRANSPORTATION position. The ON position is a momentary contact positionand thus can only be signaled by active operator intervention. When thevehicle is started with the suspension control switch 1202 in either theTRANSPORTATION position or the OFF position, suspension controller 808keeps the suspension valves closed and polls switch 1202 until theoperator moves it to the “ON” position.

[0158] Suspension controller 808 polls suspension control switch 1202 todetermine whether the operator has moved the switch from either thetransportation or the OFF position to the ON position. Once thesuspension controller senses that the switch is in the ON position, itcontinues polling the switches while incrementing a counter in memoryuntil the operator releases the switch and the switch no longerindicates the ON position. Once the operator has released the suspensioncontrol switch and it returns to the OFF position, suspension controller808 compares the value of the counter with a predetermined value that isindicative of the suspension control switch having been held in the ONposition continuously for a period of about 10 seconds. If as a resultof this comparison the suspension controller determines that the switchwas held down for a period of greater than 10 seconds, the suspensioncontroller enters into a diagnostic mode of operation. On the otherhand, if as a result of this comparison suspension controller 808determines that the ON switch was held down for less than 10 seconds,the suspension controller responsively enters into the “ON” or operatingmode.

[0159] If the operator manipulates suspension control switch 1202 to theTRANSPORTATION position, suspension controller 808 senses the switchposition and opens all four retraction valves 1102 to bleed hydraulicfluid from the extension port of each of cylinders 138. Each ofretraction valves 1102 opens to a degree sufficient to permit all foursuspensions to simultaneously lower the skid steer vehicle at a rate ofbetween 0.25 and 5.0 inches per second. More preferably, retractionvalves 1102 are opened to permit the skid steer vehicle to lower at arate of between 0.5 and 2.5 inches per second. Even more preferred isfor retraction valves 1102 to open an amount sufficient to permit theskid steer vehicle to lower at a rate of between 1.0 and 2.0 inches persecond.

[0160] This lowering continues until cylinders 138 are no longersupporting the weight of the vehicle and the vehicle rests on mechanicalstops (not shown) that prevent further upward movement of the swing armswith respect to the chassis. At this point, due to the engagement ofmechanical stops with each of the swing arms of the four suspensions,the vehicle stops lowering and stays at its lowest stationary height.

[0161] In the preferred embodiment of the skid steer vehicle, thesuspension controller 808 automatically de-energizes each of theretraction valves 1102 a predetermined period of time after the operatorhas moved the suspension control switch to the TRANSPORTATION position.This time is calculated to be of a length sufficient to permit the skidsteer vehicle to be completely lowered until the swing arms abut theirmechanical stops thereby preventing any further downward movement of theskid steer vehicle. With the retraction valves 1102 de-energized, theyreturn to a closed position and therefore fluid can neither enter norleave cylinders 138. In an alternative embodiment of suspensioncontroller 808, the suspension controller monitors this lowering processby reading each of the four suspension sensors 802, of which one isassociated with each of the four suspensions of the vehicle. When eachsuspension reaches its lowermost position, either because it issupported by its torsion bar alone, or, in the event the system is notequipped with a torsion bar, because each suspension is resting upon amechanical stop that prohibits further downward motion, suspensioncontroller 808 determines that the skid steer vehicle has stoppedlowering. In this embodiment, controller 808 determines this bycomparing successive values of data received from suspension sensors802. When each suspension stops moving downward as indicated by nochange in successive readings from the suspension sensor, suspensioncontroller 808 de-energizes the retraction valve 1102 associated withthat suspension thereby locking that suspension in its lowered position.

[0162] Once the skid steer vehicle has been turned on by brieflytoggling the suspension control switch to the ON position (describedabove), suspension controller 808 is programmed to respond to operatormanipulation of the height control switch 1204, the level control switch1206, the lockup control switch 1208, the anti-roll control switch 1210,and the anti-dive control switch 1212 in specific ways that enhance theoperation of the skid steer loader. This programming is discussed below.

[0163]FIG. 13 illustrates the programming and operation of the levelcontrol switch and the suspension controller 808. When suspensioncontroller 808 polls the level control switch (LCS) in the operatingmode, it is programmed to determine what position the level controlswitch is in and based upon that position, adjusts the height of theskid steer vehicle with respect to the ground. It does this by fillingor emptying cylinders 138 and/or accumulators 1104. To raise asuspension, suspension controller 808 opens extension valve 1106. Tolower a suspension, suspension controller 808 opens retraction valve1102.

[0164] In FIG. 13 this process and the programming of suspensioncontroller 808 are illustrated. This loop is executed at the overallpolling rate of the suspension controller mentioned above: approximatelyonce every 10 milliseconds.

[0165] In step 1300 suspension controller 808 polls the level controlswitch and determines the position of that switch, whether in the MANUALposition, the OFF position, or the AUTOMATIC position. The operator mustactively hold the level control switch in the MANUAL position. Onceplaced in the AUTOMATIC position, a switch detent holds it in thatposition until released by the operator to return to the OFF position.The OFF position is the default position for the switch. In block 1302suspension controller 808 polls the suspension sensors and receives asignal indicative of the position of each suspension with respect to thechassis (and therefore indicative of the position of each corner of thechassis with respect to the ground).

[0166] In block 1304, the suspension controller determines whether LCS1206 is in the MANUAL position. If it is in the MANUAL position,processing continues to block 1306 in which the suspension controllercalculates the position error for each of the four suspensions of thevehicle. Suspension controller 808 has at least one target height forthe suspensions stored in its electronic memory as a digital value.

[0167] In block 1306 suspension controller 808 determines the suspensionerror for each of the suspensions. This error is indicative of thedifference between the actual height of the suspension (POS_(ACT)) andthe desired or target height of the suspension (POS_(TARGET)). An errorvalue is preferably calculated for each of the four suspensions topermit each of the four suspensions to be raised or loweredindependently of the others.

[0168] In block 1308 suspension controller 808 determines whether any ofthe four position errors (one for each of the suspensions) is greaterthan a threshold value. In the preferred embodiment, this value isequivalent to approximately a 0.10 inch. If the error for any suspensionis greater than a 0.10 inch, suspension controller 808 proceeds to block1310.

[0169] In block 1310, suspension controller 808 opens the extensionvalve for any of the suspensions that have an error greater than thepredetermined value. It also closes the retraction valve for thesesuspensions (if necessary).

[0170] Opening the extension valve and closing the retraction valve forthe suspensions raises those suspensions. By “raised” we mean that thecylinders 138 associated with the suspensions at the erroneous heightsare extended lowering the wheels with respect to the chassis of the skidsteer vehicle and hence (since the wheels are resting on the ground)raising the skid steer vehicle higher above the ground at thatsuspension.

[0171] If in block 1308, any of the suspensions were not in errorgreater than the predetermined value, suspension controller 808 proceedsto block 1312 and determines whether the suspensions have a positionerror less than the predetermined value. In this embodiment, thepredetermined value is equivalent to a distance of 0.10 inch. For thesuspensions having a position error of less than −0.1 inch, theirretraction valves are opened and their extension valves are closed inblock 1314.

[0172] Some suspensions may fall within the +/−0.1 inch error bandchecked in blocks 1308 and 1312 by the suspension controller. Thesesuspensions (if any) are in the proper position and therefore do notneed to be either lifted or lowered. For these suspensions, suspensioncontroller 808 closes both the extension and retraction valves as shownin block 1316 in FIG. 13.

[0173] Referring back to block 1304 in FIG. 13, if suspension controller808 determines that LCS 1206 is not in the MANUAL position it thenproceeds to determine whether the LCS is in the AUTOMATIC position inblock 1318. The MANUAL position is typically used when the vehicle isstopped and none of the suspensions are pivoting up or down. Theadvantage of a MANUAL position is that the operator, standing still, cansimultaneously raise and/or lower all of the suspensions to apredetermined suspension height. The advantage of the AUTOMATIC positionis that the height of each suspension can be dynamically varied as thevehicle moves over the ground without operator intervention.

[0174] This automatic leveling poses a problem, however, that is notposed by operation of the system in the MANUAL mode. Since the skidsteer vehicle may move over the ground in the AUTOMATIC mode (althoughit will also work when the vehicle is stationary) all four of cylinders138 and the swing arms to which they are coupled move rapidly up anddown typically over a range of 4-8 inches. If suspension controller 808opened and closed the retraction and extension valves for eachsuspension as fast as each of the suspensions was bouncing up and down,a tremendous amount of hydraulic fluid would be injected into theaccumulators and cylinders 138 and extracted from the accumulators andcylinders 138. Assuming a sufficient amount of hydraulic fluid from pump113 the suspension controller could actually stop all up and downmovement of all four suspensions holding them within the error band ofplus or minus 0.1 inch. In effect, all of the suspensions would berigid, moving neither up nor down with respect to the vehicle. This isnot the way suspension controller 808 is configured to operate when theLCS is in the automatic mode. Vehicle operators need the continuousspringing capability of all four suspensions to absorb shocks and smooththe ride of the vehicle. What they do not want is a vehicle that travelsover the ground and, on average, is tilted or at the wrong height. It isthe average position or height of each suspension that needs to becontrolled in the automatic mode and it is this average height orposition that suspension controller 808 indeed controls.

[0175] To control the average height while still permitting eachsuspension to pivot with respect to the ground, suspension controller808 calculates the average position of each suspension in block 1320. Inone embodiment, suspension controller 808 does this by calculating amoving average of the position/height of each of the four suspensionsand setting POS_(ACT) equal to this average value for each suspension.It does this by combining a series of heights for each suspensiongathered in a succession of cycles through the level control loop shownin FIG. 13. In the simplest arrangement, successive heights for each ofthe suspensions are gathered in block 1302 and are added to previouslygathered heights for each suspension gathered in previous passes throughthe FIG. 13 control loop. Since the desired actual frequency of the skidsteer vehicle (i.e. its frequency of “bouncing” as it travels over theground) is on the order of 0.5-1.5 hertz, the successive suspensionsensor 802 measurements required to determine the average height of eachsuspension of the skid steer vehicle will be averaged or otherwisecombined over an interval of at least 0.5 seconds. More preferably, theywill be averaged or otherwise combined over an interval of at least 1.0second. Even more preferably, they will be averaged or otherwisecombined over an interval of at least 2.0 seconds.

[0176] It is not necessary that all values measured over this intervalbe used to determine the average actual height or position of eachsuspension. For example, although the polling loop shown in FIG. 13 mayretrieve suspension sensor 802 values every 10 milliseconds, thusgenerating a set of 100 (×4 since there are four suspensions) suspensionvalues every second, it may not be necessary to use every one of thesevalues. For example, every other value may be used or every 5^(th)value, or every 10^(th) value. Since the average height over a period of0.5 seconds to as much as 10 seconds is being calculated, sufficientaccuracy in the average suspension position can be maintained whilereducing the processing demands on suspension controller 808 byeliminating many intermediate suspension sensor values.

[0177] Surprisingly, it has been determined that the best performance ofthe level control process shown in FIG. 13 can be achieved by using thesame algorithm for calculating the average position of the suspensionsfor all the suspensions. Thus, suspension controller 808 preferablysamples each of the suspension sensors at the same rate: the same numberof times per second. Similarly, it is preferable if suspensioncontroller 808 combines the same number of suspension values for eachsuspension in determining the average position of each suspension. Inaddition, it is preferable that suspension controller 808 skip the samenumber of suspension sensor values for each of the four suspensions whencalculating the average position. Furthermore, it is preferable that thesuspension controller 808 use the same number of suspension sensorvalues when calculating the average position of each of the foursuspensions.

[0178] Once the average position of each suspension has been calculatedand POS_(ACT) for each suspension has been set equal to this averageposition in the memory of suspension controller 808, processing returnsto block 1306 and the valves controlled as shown in blocks 1308-1316.

[0179] Another switch that suspension controller 808 polls in itspolling loop is the lockup control switch 1208. The lockup controlswitch has three positions: AUTOMATIC, OFF and MANUAL. The MANUALposition is momentary contact position and is engaged only for so longas the operator physically holds the switch in the MANUAL position.

[0180]FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the operations performed by suspensioncontroller 808 whenever the operator manipulates lockup control switch1208 and suspension controller 808 is in the operating mode (in which itpolls switches 614). The program steps shown in FIG. 14 are executedevery time controller 808 executes the 10 millisecond polling loop. Inblock 1400, suspension controller 808 polls the lockup control switch.In block 1402 suspension controller 808 determines whether the lockupcontrol switch is in the MANUAL position. If so, controller 808 sets aflag in its memory indicating this fact. This is shown in block 1404 ofFIG. 14. If the lockup control switch is not in MANUAL, controller 808proceeds to block 1406 in which it determines whether or not the lockupcontrol switch is in the AUTOMATIC position. If the switch is in theAUTOMATIC position, suspension controller 808 proceeds to block 1408 inwhich it checks the vehicle speed. The vehicle speed is provided tosuspension controller 808 in a variety of ways. First, suspensioncontroller 808 may calculate vehicle velocity based on the position datareceived from satellite receiver 817. It may also calculate vehiclevelocity based on the speed of one or more of the motor speed sensors820. Alternatively, it may receive a signal indicative of the specificdisplacement of variable displacement motors 106 and 108 from drivecontroller 814 over the CAN bus. Alternatively, it may use the commandedspecific displacement of motors 106 and 108 that are generated by drivecontroller 814. This data from one controller to another controller isprovided over CAN bus 812. Any one of the foregoing values will providea signal indicative of the vehicle velocity.

[0181] In block 1410, the suspension controller compares the vehiclespeed with a predetermined speed, V_(set), to determine whether thevehicle has exceeded the predetermined speed. If so, suspensioncontroller 808 proceeds to block 1412 in which it sets a flag in memorythat indicates that the speed has been exceeded. If the speed does notexceed the predetermined speed, the flag is not set as shown by flowpath 1414. Suspension controller 808 then proceeds to block 1416 inwhich it checks the position of the left joystick. The left joystick isthe manually operated control manipulated by the operator in order toraise and lower the loader arms or tilt the bucket. This joystickposition signal is generated by loader controller 810 (FIG. 8), which iscoupled to the left joystick and is primarily responsible for openingand closing loader valves 806. Loader controller 810 packetizes thejoystick position data received from joystick 606 and places it on CANbus 812. Suspension controller 808 is also coupled to CAN bus 812 andreceives this packet of joystick position data. Thus, the joystickposition data checked in block 1416 is generated by a second controllerand is transmitted to the suspension controller over a serialcommunications bus. In the preferred embodiment the joystick positiondata is a numerical value indicative of the degree of deflection of thejoystick in either the X-direction or the Y-direction or bothdirections. Thus, it is indicative of an operator command to eitherraise or lower the loader arms, or to tilt the bucket either outward (ina direction that tends to dump the bucket) or inward in the oppositedirection.

[0182] In block 1418, suspension controller 808 examines the joystickposition data to determine whether it is indicative of operator movementof the joystick. If the joystick position data indicates that theoperator has moved the joystick, suspension controller 808 proceeds toblock 1420 and sets a flag in memory indicating that the operator ismanipulating the joystick. If the operator has not moved the joystick,processing bypasses block 1420 and the joystick flag is not set, asindicated by program flow path 1422. Suspension controller 808 may lockthe suspensions if there is joystick movement in a direction that raisesor lowers the loader arms. It may lock the suspensions if there ismovement of the joystick in the orthogonal direction (i.e. a directionto tilt or curl the bucket), or it may lock the suspensions if there ismovement in either of the two directions.

[0183] Joystick 606 may alternatively provide a separate electricalsignal that indicates merely that the joystick has been moved away fromthe neutral position but does not indicate the magnitude or direction ofdeflection. This signal can alternatively be used in block 1418. Whilethis signal does not provide the additional information of how far thejoystick has been moved (i.e. it does not include data indicative of thedegree of deflection of the joystick) it does indicate that the operatorhas moved the joystick and therefore has commanded either the loaderarms or the bucket to move.

[0184] All the preceding steps are joined and merged in block 1424. Atthis point in program execution, the suspension controller has set themanual flag if the lockup control switch was in the manual position, ithas set the speed flag if the lockup control switch is in the automaticposition and the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed, and it has setthe joystick flag if the operator has moved a manual operator inputdevice that would move the loader arms, the bucket, or both. In step1424 suspension controller 808 looks at each flag to determine whetherone or more flags has been set. If any flag has been set, suspensioncontroller 808 proceeds to block 1426 in which it closes all of lockupvalves 1108. By closing lockup valves 1108, flow between cylinders 138and their associated accumulators is blocked. In this manner, all foursuspensions are locked up and the swing arms of the suspensions are nolonger permitted to spring with respect to the chassis. This lock up ineffect eliminates the springing of the swing arms (and hence the wheels)with respect to the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, controller808 may only lock up the left front and right front suspensions in block1426.

[0185] If no flags were set, suspension controller 808 proceeds to block1428 in which it commands lockup valves 1108 to open. When lockup valves1108 are opened, each of cylinders 138 are again connected to theirassociated accumulators and are therefore permitted to extend andretract. This permits the swing arms to pivot with respect to thevehicle. After execution of either of blocks 1426 or 1428 suspensioncontroller 808 proceeds to block 1430 in which it resets the manualflag, the speed flag, and the joystick flag in preparation for its nextpass through the polling loop illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0186] The lockup control switch permits the operator to instantly lockthe suspensions whenever he holds the switch in the MANUAL position. Assoon as he releases the switch, all else being the same, the suspensionsare immediately released and provide spring damping. In addition, byplacing the lockup control switch in the AUTOMATIC position, thesuspension is locked whenever the vehicle falls below a predeterminedspeed. The speed is preferably about 2 mph. The final feature providedby the lockup control switch when it is placed in the AUTOMATIC positionis that of locking up the suspension whenever the operator commandsmovement of the loader arm and bucket, or any implement used in place ofthe bucket.

[0187] It should be recognized that “locking up” the suspensions doesnot mean that the suspensions are fixed in position, but that thespringing of the suspension has been substantially reduced oreliminated. This is achieved in the present embodiment by preventingfluid from flowing between the cylinders and their associatedaccumulators the circuit element that (together with or in place of thetorsion bars 320) provides suspension springing.

[0188] The suspensions can be “locked” yet still move with respect tothe chassis when (1) the valve connecting the cylinder with itsaccumulator is closed, and (2) the automatic leveling feature providedby lead control switch 1206 is engaged. When the operator moves thelockup control switch 1208 to the MANUAL or AUTOMATIC position with theautomatic leveling feature engaged, the accumulators are disconnectedfrom their cylinders thus eliminating or reducing suspension springing,yet controller 808 can still fill or empty the cylinders to graduallymove all of the suspensions to their predetermined height. In thismanner, if the suspension is locked while the wheels are at differentpositions, the controller can adjust their positions as described abovein conjunction with FIG. 13. This automatic leveling with the suspensionlocked may be done to insure that the four wheels are all at the sameheight.

[0189]FIG. 15 illustrates the process performed whenever suspensioncontroller 808 is in the “ON” or operating mode. In FIG. 15, the stepsperformed by suspension controller 808 when it polls the height controlswitch are indicated.

[0190] The height control switch 1204 is a momentary contact toggleswitch having a central neutral or “OFF” position and two opposed togglepositions “UP” and “DOWN.”When the operator pushes switch 1204 in onedirection away from the neutral or “OFF” position, he moves the switchto the “UP” position. When the operator pushes the switch in theopposite direction from the neutral or “OFF” position he moves it to the“DOWN” position.

[0191] The first operation executed by suspension controller 808 is topoll the height control switch 1204 in block 1500. Suspension controller808 does this as part of its every 10 millisecond polling loop.Controller 808 then determines in block 1502 whether the height controlswitches in the “UP” position. If controller 808 determines that theswitch is in the “UP” position, program execution continues to block1504.

[0192] In block 1504, suspension controller 808 increments the desiredvehicle suspension heights of all the suspensions in the vehicle by apredetermined height value of “K.” This value is preferably equivalentto 0.25 inches. Once the target height, i.e. the desired position of thesuspension, has been incremented, controller 808 processing continues toblock 1506 in which controller 808 determines whether the new suspensionheight requested by the operator exceeds a maximum suspension height. Inother words, the suspension height of the vehicle is not infinite. Thesuspension can be raised or lowered with respect to the vehicle (i.e.the vehicle can be lowered or raised with respect to the ground) onlyover a predetermined range of heights that is a function of theparticular shape and configuration of the suspension components.Typically, a skid steer vehicle such as the skid steer loader shown inFIG. 1 can be raised and lowered over a range of perhaps six inches. Ifthe operator attempts to set a desired target height that is outsidethis range, by adding the value “K” to the current desired or targetheight, controller 808 will set the target height (POS_(TARGET)) to thehighest permissible height.

[0193] If in block 1502 controller 808 determines that the switch is notin the “RAISE” position, processing continues to block 1508. In block1508 suspension controller 808 determines whether the height controlswitch is in the “LOWER” position. If it is, controller 808 continuesand executes block 1510.

[0194] In block 1510, suspension controller 808 decrements the desiredor target height of the four suspensions by the predetermined heightvalue “K”. Once suspension controller 808 has decremented the targetheight, processing continues to block 1512 in which suspensioncontroller 808 checks the newly decremented target height to determinewhether it is outside the acceptable range of heights stored in thememory of suspension controller 808. If, by decrementing the targetheight an amount “K” in block 1510, the target height falls outside ofthis range, suspension controller 808 will set the desired or targetheight (POS_(TARGET)) to the lowest permissible height. In this way, nomatter how long or how many times the operator presses the heightcontrol switch, either to raise or to lower the suspension, the targetheight will remain within an acceptable operating range or presettablesuspension heights. The upper and lower height limits are saved in theelectronic memory of suspension controller 808.

[0195] Returning back to block 1508, if suspension controller 808determines that the height control switch is not in the “LOWER”position, the program illustrated in FIG. 15 terminates as shown by flowpath 1514 which bypasses blocks 1510 and 1512 and goes directly to thetermination block 1516.

[0196] Suspension controller 808 executes block 1518 whenever theoperator presses the height control switch. Whenever the operatorpresses the height control switch either to RAISE or to LOWER, itindicates that the operator has selected a new target height for thevehicle suspensions. Suspension controller 808 sets a flag in memory,the “RAISE/LOWER” flag, to 1 to indicate that the operator has changedthe target height of the vehicle.

[0197]FIG. 16 illustrates another computer program executed bysuspension controller 808. In block 1600, suspension controller 808checks to determine whether the “RAISE/LOWER” flag has been set to “1”.If it has not been set, the program of FIG. 16 terminates. On the otherhand, if the “RAISE/LOWER” flag has been set, program executioncontinues to block 1602 in which the suspension controller 808determines whether the operator is holding the level control switch 1206in the MANUAL position. If so, the program in FIG. 16 also terminates.If the operator is not holding level control switch 1206 in the MANUALposition, the program continues to block 1604 in which the suspensioncontroller 808 determines whether the level control switch is in theAUTOMATIC position. If it is in the AUTOMATIC position, the program ofFIG. 16 terminates.

[0198] The reason that suspension controller 808 checks to determine thelevel control switch position is that if the level control switch is ineither the MANUAL or the AUTOMATIC position, the routine shown in FIG.13 will accommodate the change in the target height (POS_(TARGET)) byautomatically controlling the level of the vehicle. In other words,whenever the operator changes the target height as described above inconjunction with FIG. 15, that changed target height is automaticallyused in block 1306 (FIG. 13) to control the level/height of the vehicleif the level control switch 1206 is either in the MANUAL or AUTOMATICposition. Block 1602 and 1604 indicate to suspension controller 808whether the level control routines of FIG. 13 are actually beingexecuted. If they are, then there is no need to control the height asshown in FIG. 16. The programmed operation of FIG. 13 will control theheight.

[0199] On the other hand, if the level control switch is “OFF” (i.e. notin the MANUAL or AUTOMATIC position), the routine of FIG. 16 will adjustthe height as requested by the operator using height control switch 1204(see FIG. 15).

[0200] Referring back to FIG. 16, if the level control switch is “OFF”(not MANUAL or AUTOMATIC) processing continues to block 1606. Block 1606indicates the beginning of a control loop that is executed once for eachsuspension in the skid steer vehicle. In the preferred embodiment thereare four independent suspensions, and therefore this control loop isexecuted four times: once for each suspension of the skid steer vehicle.The suspension that is being controlled is indicated by the value of thevariable “CYL”. The first time through this loop CYL is set to “1”, thesecond time through it is set to “2”, the third time through it is setto “3”, and the fourth time through it is set to “4”. These values 1through 4 indicate the suspension that is currently being controlled. Inblock 1608, suspension controller 808 determines the position (height)error for the current suspension being corrected. Controller 808determines the height of the suspension (POS_(CYL)) by reading thesuspension sensor 808 for that suspension. In block 1610, the suspensioncontroller 808 determines whether the position error (ERR_(CYL)) forthat suspension is greater than a predetermined value, here shown as0.10 inches. This predetermined value is indicative of that suspensionbeing more than a 0.10 inches below the target position (POS_(TARGET))for that suspension. In addition, in block 1610 suspension controller808 determines whether a flag value for that suspension (FLAG_(CYL))equals one. The flag value for the suspension indicates whether thesuspension associated with that cylinder has been raised (or lowered) tothe proper height. If the test of block 1610 is true, processing bysuspension controller 808 continues to block 1612 in which suspensioncontroller 808 opens the extension valve 1106 and closes the retractionvalve 1102 for the suspension being raised. Suspension controller 808continues to block 1614 in which it checks whether the suspension beingcorrected is too high. Suspension controller 808 determines whether theposition error for the suspension being checked is less than apredetermined value, here shown as −0.10 inches or a 0.1 inches abovethe target position for that suspension. Suspension controller alsochecks the cylinder flag for that suspension to see whether thesuspension has already been corrected. If the suspension is more than a0.1 inches above the target position and the suspension has not alreadybeen corrected, suspension controller 808 continues to block 1616 inwhich it opens the retraction valve 1102 and closes the extension valve1106 for the suspension being corrected.

[0201] The final check performed by suspension controller 808 isillustrated in block 1618 of FIG. 16. In this block, suspensioncontroller 808 determines whether the suspension being corrected iswithin a predetermined error band of the desired or target position. Inthe preferred embodiment (explained above) this is equal to +/−0.1inches. If the suspension being corrected is within the acceptableposition error band of the vehicle, the flag value (FLAG_(CYL)) for thatsuspension is set to zero and both the extension and retraction valvesare closed as indicated in block 1620. By setting the cylinder flagequal to zero for the suspension being corrected, no more correctionsare made to that cylinder.

[0202] The cylinder flag set to zero in block 1620 is used in block 1610and 1614 to determine whether suspension controller 808 should open orclose the extension or retraction valves. The effect of this is simple.Once each suspension reaches the target height or position, or rather anacceptable error band around the target position, no more correctionsare made to that suspension.

[0203] Block 1622 indicates the end of the position control loop for thesuspensions. Suspension controller 808 moves on to the next suspension(i.e. returns to block 1606) and repeats the steps of blocks 1608-1620for the next suspension. Again, the sequence of programmed operationsshown in block 1608-1620 is executed for each of the four suspensions inthe vehicle. Once all of the suspensions have been corrected, suspensioncontroller 808 continues to block 1624 in which it determines whethereach of the suspension flags have been set to zero, indicating that allthe suspensions have been properly moved to the new target heightindicated by the height control switch in FIG. 15. Once all foursuspensions have been properly raised into the acceptable error bandaround the target position, as determined in block 1624, the vehicleheight (i.e. all four suspensions) is considered to be set to the newtarget position and the operations in FIG. 16 will no longer beexecuted, at least until the operator again presses the height controlswitch. This is indicated in block 1626, in which suspension controller808 sets the raise/lower flag to zero and sets each cylinder flag foreach of the four suspensions back to “1”. The next time the routineshown in FIG. 16 is executed, suspension controller 808 will processblock 1600, will determine that the raise/lower flag is set to zero, not“1”, and will exit the routine of FIG. 16. The routine of FIG. 16 willnot be executed again until the operator again changes the target heightor position of the suspensions (see FIG. 15 and accompanying text) inwhich he again sets the raise/lower flag to “1”.

[0204] The level control switch and the height control switch offersimilar functions. The level control switch, when moved to the MANUALposition causes each of the suspensions to be driven to their associatedtarget positions. When the level control switch is placed in AUTOMATICposition, controller 808 is programmed to drive the suspensions to theirtarget position until the level control switch is manually released fromthe AUTOMATIC position.

[0205] The height control switch on the other hand when manipulated toeither the RAISE or the LOWER position is configured to change thetarget position of each of the four suspensions and, if the levelcontrol switch is turned OFF, to move each suspension individually tothe new target position and then to automatically disengage. By“disengaging” we mean that once the suspensions are at their new targetpositions at least once, there is no further MANUAL or AUTOMATIC heightcorrection unless the operator turns the level control switch to“MANUAL” or to “AUTOMATIC”. On the other hand, if the level controlswitch is in the AUTOMATIC position, each suspension will becontinuously controlled at the new target position selected in blocks1504 or 1510.

[0206]FIG. 17 illustrates another portion of the program executed bysuspension controller 808 whenever the controller is in the operatingmode. The programmed steps shown in FIG. 17 are executed every timesuspension controller 808 executes its 10 millisecond polling loop. Theoverall function of the steps illustrated in FIG. 17 is to throttle thelockup valve 1108 associated with each suspension to further restrictthe flow rate of fluid out of each cylinder 138 and into its associatedaccumulator 1104.

[0207] During normal operation with controller 808 in its “ON” oroperating mode, lockup valve 1108 is usually open and suspension dampingis provided by orifice 1112. When operating over very rough ground,however, fluid maybe forced out of cylinders 138 at such a rate that thecylinders approach complete retraction or compression. Typically, amechanical stop will be provided between the swing arms and the chassisof the vehicle to protect the cylinder from the sudden impact of thepiston against the cylinder end cap. Nonetheless, the sudden impact ofthe swing arm against its mechanical stop may damage the swing arm orthe chassis of the vehicle. For this reason it is desirable that in theevent the mechanical stops are approaching each other to furtherrestrict hydraulic fluid flow out of cylinder 138 into accumulator 1104beyond the restriction provided by orifice 1112. By further restrictingflow out of cylinder 138, it is possible to slow the swing arm down asit approaches its mechanical stop thereby lessening or even eliminatingthe arm-to-stop impact. To achieve this additional damping, suspensioncontroller 808 executes the program portion identified in FIG. 17. Thisprogram constantly monitors the positions of the four suspensions and isexecuted every 10 milliseconds or so. When the swing arms approach theupper limit of their travel, suspension controller 808 modulates lockupvalves 1108 causing them to close slightly and add to the flowrestriction provided by orifice 1112. This causes the pressure incylinder 138 to rise more rapidly and slow the swing arms as theyapproach their mechanical stops.

[0208] Referring now to FIG. 17, in block 1700 suspension controller 808polls each of the suspension sensors to determine the position of eachof the swing arms with respect to the chassis. In block 1702 suspensioncontroller 808 enters a control loop that is executed four times, oncefor each of the four suspensions in the skid steer vehicle. In block1704, suspension controller 808 determines how close the suspensionbeing tested is to complete compression. In block 1704, TOP is aconstant equivalent to the position of the suspension when cylinder 138is collapsed, POS_(cyl), is a value indicative of the actual position ofthe suspension being tested, TOP_CLEARANCE is the value calculated bysuspension controller 808 indicative of the difference between thesevalues. It indicates the remaining amount of upward travel of the swingarm before it is mechanically stopped. Once suspension controller 808has calculated this clearance, it proceeds to block 1706 in which itcompares this clearance value with a predetermined value (here shown as1 inch) to determine whether the suspension is within a predetermineddistance of permissible upward suspension travel. In the preferredembodiment, shown here, the answer to block 1706 is “yes” when thesuspension being tested has less than one more inch of upward travel.

[0209] If the suspension is within this predetermined distance,suspension controller 808 then executes block 1708. In block 1708suspension controller 808 modulates the electrical signal provided tolockup valve 1108 to partially close lockup valve 1108. This provides anadditional flow restriction to fluid forced out of cylinder 138. Thisraises the pressure in cylinder 138 and acts to slow the upwardsuspension travel. In the preferred embodiment, lockup valve 1108 isconnected to a pulse width modulated drive circuit in suspensioncontroller 808 and is itself a proportional control valve that canthrottle flow proportional to the magnitude of the PWM signal thatsuspension controller 808 applies to it.

[0210] Once suspension controller 808 has reduced the flow rate throughlockup valve 1108 by throttling it, it proceeds to block 1710 and loopsback to block 1702. Suspension controller 808 then executes the samesteps of block 1704, 1706, and 1708 for the next suspension. Thisprocess is repeated two more times, and therefore independentlythrottles each of the lockup valves 1108 on each of the suspension'sbased upon that suspensions relative rotational position.

[0211] Referring back to block 1706, it may be the case that asuspension is not within the predetermined distance. If this is thecase, the answer to the test in block 1706 will be “no” and suspensioncontroller 808 proceeds to block 1712. In block 1712, suspensioncontroller 808 opens lockup valve 1108, thereby removing the throttlingpreviously provided in block 1708.

[0212] In the preferred embodiment, suspension controller 808 will onlythrottle lockup valve 1108 when the suspension approaches completeretraction compression. It may also be beneficial, however, to similarlythrottle flow between cylinder 138 and accumulator 1104 for eachsuspension when the suspension approaches complete extension. This wouldoccur if the skid steer vehicle chassis hit a bump, for example, androse suddenly up in the air. With the chassis rising in the air, thesuspensions could hyperextend and eventually would reach their downwardmechanical limit. By throttling flow between accumulator 1104 andcylinder 138 during this hyperextension in the same manner that it isthrottled in FIG. 17 during extreme compression of the suspension thesudden impact of the suspension reaching its fully extended positioncould be reduced or eliminated.

[0213]FIG. 18 illustrates the program performed by suspension controller808 in its “ON” or operating mode whenever the operator has turnedanti-roll control switch 1210 to its “ON” position. This program isexecuted during the every 10 millisecond polling loop performed bysuspension controller 808. In step 1800, suspension controller 808 pollsanti-roll control switch 1210 to determine its position. In block 1802,controller 808 determines whether that switch is on or off. If it is on,processing continues to block 1804. If it is off, however, controller808 terminates this program.

[0214] In block 1804, suspension controller 808 calculates the speeddifference between a wheel or wheels on the right hand side of thevehicle and a wheel or wheels on the left hand side of the vehicle togive an indication of the lateral (i.e. side-to-side) acceleration ofthe vehicle.

[0215] In the preferred embodiment, the right/left speed difference iscalculated using values transmitted from the drive controller 814. Thesevalues are the actual or commanded swash plate position (i.e. thespecific displacement) of pumps 106 and 108.

[0216] As explained above, pump 106 drives the hydraulic motors on theleft side of the vehicle and pump 108 drives the hydraulic motors on theright side of the vehicle. As a result, the difference between the swashplate positions of pumps 106 and 108 is indicative of the differencebetween the velocities of the wheels on the left and the right side ofthe vehicles.

[0217] The difference in velocities are indicative of the lateralacceleration of the vehicle. The greater the difference in velocities,the faster the vehicle turns. The faster the turn, the greater thelateral acceleration. The swash plate positions (i.e. the specificdisplacements of pumps 106 and 108) can be either actual positionstransmitted from pumps 106 and 108 to drive controller 814 and thence tosuspension controller 808 over bus 812, or they can be commandedpositions generated by drive controller 814, applied to pumps 106 and108, and sent to suspension controller 808 over bus 812. In addition,speed signals from motor speed sensors 820 on opposite sides of thevehicle can be received by drive controller 814 and be transmitted overbus 812 to suspension controller 808. Motor speeds for motors onopposing sides of the vehicle can also be subtracted to provide dataindicative of lateral acceleration in block 1804.

[0218] The swash plate position data are packetized in drive controller814 and are transmitted over CAN bus 812 to suspension controller 808.Suspension controller 808 receives the packitized swash plate positionsand subtracts them to produce a value indicative of the difference inspeed between the wheels on the right side of the vehicle and the wheelson the left side of the vehicle.

[0219] Once suspension controller 808 has determined the right/leftspeed difference, it then proceeds to block 1806 in which it comparesthis difference with a threshold speed difference. In the preferredembodiment, this threshold speed difference is about 2 mph.

[0220] In the event the speed difference is above this threshold,suspension controller 808 proceeds to block 1808 in which it closes thelockup valves 1108 on the outboard side of the vehicle. This throttlingcan be partial, in which case suspension controller 808 pulses lockupvalves 1108 to reduce but not eliminate the flow rate through them, orit can be total, in which case suspension controller 808 closes lockupvalves 1108 entirely. The particular degree to which outboard lockupvalves 1108 are throttled depends upon the dynamics of the particularvehicle.

[0221] In the event the speed difference calculated in block 1804 is notgreater than the predetermined speed difference, processing continues toblock 1810 in which the outboard lockup valves 1108 are “un-throttled”.

[0222] In an alternative embodiment, controller 808 is configured toreceive an acceleration signal from accelerometer 816 or data indicativeof vehicle velocity from receiver 817 and determine lateral accelerationtherefrom. This data indicative of lateral acceleration can be directlycompared with a threshold lateral acceleration in place of the speeddifference in blocks 1804 and 1806. In either case, the system isgathering data indicative of a lateral acceleration and is locking up orthrottling outboard lock up valves 1108 if the data indicative isgreater than a predetermined value.

[0223]FIG. 19 illustrates another program performed by suspensioncontroller 808 based upon the setting of switches or buttons 614 when inthe “ON” or operating mode. The steps illustrated in FIG. 19 areexecuted when the anti-dive control switch is turned on. As in theprevious examples illustrated in FIGS. 13-18, these steps are executedwhenever suspension controller 808 enters its every 10 millisecondpolling loop.

[0224] In block 1900, suspension controller 808 polls the anti-divecontrol switch. In block 1902, suspension controller 808 examines thestate of the anti-dive control switch and determines whether it is inthe “ON” position. If the switch is not in the on position, no action istaken and the suspension controller 808 exits the loop as shown by flowcontrol path 1904. If the anti-dive control switch is ON, however,suspension controller 808 proceeds to block 1906 in which controller 808calculates a value fore-and-aft acceleration of the vehicle. In thepreferred embodiment, controller 808 calculates the acceleration of thevehicle by determining the rate of change in the position of the swashplate of one or more of pumps 106 and 108. Since these pumps control theflow rate through the hydraulic motors driving the left and right handsides of the vehicles, if the swash plate positions are reduced towardsa neutral position (a position in which the output of the pumps is zero)the flow rate of fluid to the motors driven by pump 106 and 108 will bereduced and the vehicle will decelerate. As a result, swash plateposition for both motors is indicative of the rotational velocity of thewheels on both sides of the vehicle. Hence, when the swash plateposition is reduced towards a neutral position, the vehicle decelerates.In the preferred embodiment, drive controller 814 packetizes the swashplate positions of motors 106 and 108 and transmits those positions overserial communications bus 812. Suspension controller 808 (which is alsoconnected to serial communications bus 812) receives this packetizeddata indicative of the swash plate positions of the pumps and furtherprocesses them. Drive controller 814 preferably transmits these swashplate positions at a rate of between 10 and 50 milliseconds. Suspensioncontroller 808 is configured to receive this packetized data and processit in block 1906.

[0225] In the simplest embodiment, suspension controller 808 comparestwo successive values of the commanded swash plate position of eitherpump 106 or 108, calculates the difference between these two successivevalues, and thereby arrives at a value indicative of the acceleration ordeceleration of the skid steer vehicle. Since in the preferredembodiment, drive controller 814 calculates the commanded swash platepositions of pumps 106 and 108 at the same predetermined interval (i.e.about every 10 milliseconds), the difference in magnitude between twosuccessive swash plate positions indicative of the commanded change invelocity of the wheels driven by pumps 106 and 108 over that same timeinterval: the acceleration of the vehicle. Therefore, subtracting twosuccessive swash plate positions provides an indication of the change incommanded velocity over that time interval and therefore an indicationof the acceleration over that same time interval. Of course, it may bedesirable to compare two swash plate positions not over a single timeinterval but over several time intervals.

[0226] In an alternative embodiment, the acceleration of the vehicle canbe provided directly by receiver 817 and calculated either from twosuccessive changes in position, or from accelerometer 816. In analternative embodiment, suspension controller 808 could combine thesuccessive swash plate positions of both pumps 106 and 108 to arrive atan average acceleration or deceleration based upon a combination of theswash plate positions of both pumps 106 and 108. For example, thevelocity of the skid steer vehicle can be determined at a first time byadding the swash plate positions of both pumps 106 and 108. A subsequentaverage velocity can be calculated by adding subsequent swash platepositions of pumps 106 and 108. By subtracting the second of thesecombined values from the first of these combined values, an averagechange in the forward velocity of the skid steer vehicle over apredetermined time interval (i.e. acceleration) can be calculated bycontroller 808. This change in velocity divided by the time intervalbetween the two successive measurements of velocity can be used as avalue indicative of the acceleration or deceleration of the skid steervehicle. Alternatively, controller 808 can receive actual wheel/motorvelocity signals from speed sensors 820 over CAN bus 812 from drivecontroller 814 and calculate vehicle acceleration from those velocitysignals. As another alternative, some pumps 106 and 108 are configuredto transmit a signal indicative of the actual (not commanded) swashplate position or specific displacement. These signals can be used bycontroller 808 in place of the commanded swash plate positions generatedby drive controller 814 and applied to pumps 106 and 108.

[0227] Once suspension controller 808 has calculated a value indicativeof the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, processing continuesto block 1908. In block 1908, suspension controller 808 compares theacceleration (or deceleration) to determine whether the vehicle isdecelerating at a rate greater than a predetermined rate. In thepreferred embodiment, this rate of negative acceleration is −2 m/s².This is approximately 0.25 g. If the vehicle has a negative accelerationgreater than this rate, suspension controller 808 continues to block1910.

[0228] In block 1910, suspension controller 808 throttles the lockupvalves 1108 that control hydraulic fluid flow out of the left front andright front cylinders 138. This throttling of the two lockup valves 1108can constitute either a partial or a full closing of those lockupvalves, depending upon the dynamics of the skid steer vehicle. Forexample, if the front and rear tires are closely spaced togethercompared to the height and capacity of the bucket or other implementthat may be raised above the vehicle, the forward lockup valves 1108 maybe completely closed. This would lock the front suspensions. On theother hand, if the distance between the front and rear wheels of theskid steer loader are spaced rather widely apart and the bucket islimited in capacity or in height, there is less of an overhanging loadin the bucket and front end dive due to the sudden deceleration may becountered merely by reducing the flow through the forward lockup valves1108.

[0229] If the vehicle is not decelerating (negative acceleration) at thepredetermined threshold rate as indicated in block 1908, suspensioncontroller 808 continues to block 1912 in which the acceleration of thevehicle is compared with the second predetermined acceleration rate. Ifthe acceleration is greater than this second acceleration rate (i.e. ifthe vehicle is increasing speed in a forward direction greater than thepredetermined acceleration rate in block 1912, there will be a tendencyfor the vehicle to rise up on its front two suspensions and for the reartwo suspensions to dive. If suspension controller 808 determines thatthis second acceleration threshold is exceeded, processing continues inblock 1914 in which suspension controller 808 throttles the rear lockupvalves 1108. The rear lockup valves are the lockup valves 1108 thatcontrol fluid flow from the left rear and right rear suspensioncylinders 138 to accumulators 1104. Again, the rear lockup valves 1108may be partially or completely closed depending upon the dynamics of theparticular vehicle. For skid steer vehicles having a closely spacedfront and rear wheels, or for skid steer vehicles having a large bucketcapacity, it may be necessary to completely close the rear lockup valves1108 thereby locking the two rear suspensions. Alternatively, if thefront and rear wheels are not as closely spaced or if the bucket heightor bucket capacity is not as high, it may be sufficient merely to reducethe flow rate through lockup valves 1108 and not to completely closethem.

[0230] In the event that the acceleration of the skid steer vehicle isnot greater than the second predetermined acceleration of about 2 m/Δ²provided in block 1912, the vehicle is neither accelerating ordecelerating fast enough to cause a corresponding rear or frontsuspension drive, suspension controller 808 proceeds to execute block1916. In this block, suspension controller 808 removes any throttlingpreviously provided to either the forward lockup valves 1108 in block1910 or the rear lockup valves in block 1914.

What is claimed is:
 1. A skid steer vehicle comprising: a chassis havinga left side and a right side; an engine coupled to the chassis; firstand second variable displacement hydraulic pumps coupled to the engineto provide two separately controllable sources of hydraulic fluid underpressure; four non-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled to thechassis to drive the vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels aredisposed two on each side of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation;four control arms pivotally coupled to the chassis and coupled to thefour wheels to permit the wheels to pivot at least in a verticaldirection with respect to the chassis; at least two hydraulic motors fordriving the wheels wherein at least one motor is driven by fluid fromthe first pump and in turn drives the wheels on the left side of thechassis and at least another motor is driven by fluid from the secondpump and in turn drives the wheels on the right side of the chassis;four hydraulic cylinders, each cylinder operably coupled to one of thewheels to control at least the vertical position of the wheels withrespect to the chassis; a speed sensing means to provide a signalindicative of the speed of the vehicle over the ground; and anelectronic controller coupled to the speed sensing means and to thehydraulic cylinders that is configured to lock the four wheels in avertical position with respect to the chassis when the vehicle fallsbelow a predetermined speed.
 2. The skid steer vehicle of claim 1,wherein the speed sensing means is one of a group consisting of a wheelspeed sensor, a hydraulic pump control circuit configured to generate asignal indicative of pump position; a memory location in the electroniccontroller containing digital data indicative of the displacement of atleast one of the first and second pumps.
 3. The skid steer loader ofclaim 2, wherein the digital data indicative of the displacement is avalue generated by the electronic controller.
 4. The skid steer vehicleof claim 2, further comprising four valves, each of the four valvesbeing coupled to one of the hydraulic cylinders to control an outflow offluid from said one of the hydraulic cylinders.
 5. The skid steervehicle of claim 4, wherein the electronic controller is configured toautomatically and repeatedly receive the signal indicative of the speedof the vehicle from the speed sensing means, to compare the signalindicative of the speed of the vehicle with a value indicative of apredetermined speed, and to close the four valves when the vehicle isbelow the predetermined speed.
 6. The skid steer vehicle of claim 5,further comprising four gas-charged hydraulic accumulators, wherein eachaccumulator is fluidly coupled to and between one of the valves and saidone of the valve's associated cylinder to block hydraulic fluid betweenthe associated cylinder and said each accumulator.
 7. A skid steervehicle comprising: a chassis having a left side and a right side; anengine coupled to the chassis; first and second variable displacementhydraulic pumps coupled to the engine to provide two separatelycontrollable sources of hydraulic fluid under pressure; fournon-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled to the chassis to drivethe vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels are disposed two on eachside of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation; two control arms, eachof the two control arms pivotally coupled to and between the chassis andan associated forward wheel to permit the associated forward wheel topivot at least in a vertical direction with respect to the chassis; atleast two hydraulic motors for driving the wheels wherein at least onemotor is driven by fluid from the first pump and in turn drives thewheels on the left side of the chassis and at least another motor isdriven by fluid from the second pump and in turn drives the wheels onthe right side of the chassis; two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinderoperably coupled to one of the two forward wheels to control at leastthe vertical position of said one of the two forward wheels with respectto the chassis; a speed sensing means to provide a signal indicative ofthe speed of the vehicle over the ground; and an electronic controllercoupled to the speed sensing means and to the hydraulic cylinders thatis configured to lock the two forward wheels in a vertical position withrespect to the chassis when the vehicle falls below a predeterminedspeed.
 8. The skid steer vehicle of claim 7, wherein the speed sensingmeans comprises one of a group consisting of at least one wheel speedsensor, a hydraulic pump control circuit configured to generate a signalindicative of hydraulic pump position, and a memory location in theelectronic controller containing digital data indicative of a commandeddisplacement of at least one of the first and second pumps.
 9. The skidsteer loader of claim 8, wherein the digital data indicative of thecommanded displacement is a value generated by the electronic controllerto control the displacement of said at least one of the first and secondpumps.
 10. The skid steer vehicle of claim 8, further comprising twovalves, each of the two valves being coupled to one of the hydrauliccylinders to control an outflow of fluid from said one of the hydrauliccylinders.
 11. The skid steer vehicle of claim 10, wherein theelectronic controller is configured to automatically and repeatedlyreceive the signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle from the speedsensing means, to compare the signal indicative of the speed of thevehicle with a value indicative of a predetermined speed, and to closethe two valves when the vehicle is below the predetermined speed. 12.The skid steer vehicle of claim 11, further comprising two gas-chargedhydraulic accumulators, wherein each accumulator is fluidly coupled toand between one of the two valves and said one of the two valvesassociated cylinder to block hydraulic fluid flow from the associatedcylinder to said each accumulator.
 13. A method of controlling thesuspensions of a skid steer vehicle, the vehicle including: a chassishaving a left side and a right side; an engine coupled to the chassis;first and second variable displacement hydraulic pumps coupled to theengine to provide two separately controllable sources of hydraulic fluidunder pressure; four non-steerable and ground-engaging wheels coupled tothe chassis to drive the vehicle over the ground, wherein the wheels aredisposed two on each side of the chassis in a fore-and-aft relation; twocontrol arms, each of the two control arms pivotally coupled to andbetween the chassis and an associated forward wheel to permit theassociated forward wheel to pivot at least in a vertical direction withrespect to the chassis; at least two hydraulic motors for driving thewheels wherein at least one motor is driven by fluid from the first pumpand in turn drives the wheels on the left side of the chassis and atleast another motor is driven by fluid from the second pump and in turndrives the wheels on the right side of the chassis; two hydrauliccylinders, each cylinder operably coupled to one of the two forwardwheels to control at least the vertical position of said one of the twoforward wheels with respect to the chassis; a speed sensing means toprovide a signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle over the ground;and an electronic controller coupled to the speed sensing means and tothe hydraulic cylinders that is configured to lock the two forwardwheels in a vertical position with respect to the chassis when thevehicle falls below a predetermined speed, the method comprising thesteps of: reading the signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle;comparing the signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle with a valueindicative of a predetermined speed; locking the two forward wheels ofthe four wheels to prevent vertical motion of the two wheels withrespect to the chassis when the step of comparing indicates that thevehicle is traveling slower than the predetermined speed; and unlockingthe two forward wheels to permit vertical motion of the two wheels withrespect to the chassis when the step of comparing indicates that thevehicle is traveling above the predetermined speed.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the step of comparing includes the step of accessingan electronic memory location in the electronic controller having avalue indicative of a commanded displacement of at least one of thefirst and second variable displacement pumps.
 15. The method of claim13, wherein the vehicle includes two valves, wherein each of said twovalves is fluidly coupled to an associated one of the two hydrauliccylinders to control the outflow of fluid from said associated one ofthe two hydraulic cylinders, and further wherein each of said two valvesis operably coupled to the electronic controller to be controlledthereby.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of locking the twoforward wheels includes the step of closing the two valves.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the step of locking the two forward wheelsincludes the step of blocking fluid flow from the two cylinders to twoassociated hydraulic accumulators.